Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Page 1 of 6

Dangerous Drugs – WEEK 3

Topic: DANGEROUS DRUGS

I. INTRODUCTION:

This module introduces the tremendous effect of drugs to individuals. Drug abuse is one of the most
serious challenges being faced by the contemporary societies. It is a multifaceted phenomenon with
combined effects of social, familial and psychological factors.
According to Ghonglah (1987), “drug is a chemical which people use for medical purposes; a
chemical which has the power to change a person's mood or the way he thinks about things; a
chemical which people take for pleasure; a chemical on which a person who takes it may become
dependent".
II. OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
 Identify the word drugs and its related concepts
 Determine the type of drug based on its description
 Assess the effect of using prohibited drugs

III. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITY:

.
Before you proceed to the main lesson, test yourself in this
activity.

Describe the image in one

sentence.

___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

LESSON PROPER:
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Dangerous Drugs – WEEK 3

What is Drug?
Drug is any synthetic or natural substance that is used to produce psychological or physiological
effects in humans; it can also play a central role in the daily lives of many people regardless of whether it is
used legitimately.
Dangerous drugs include those listed under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which is based on the United Nation’s 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs (as amended in 1972 and the 1971 Single Conventional Psychotropic Substance)

Classification of Dangerous Drugs:

I. Stimulants
Drugs that increase the rate of the body’s system, resulting in increased alertness and
physical disposition are called stimulants. These include prescription drugs (e.g.,
methamphetamine, cocaine, and methcathinone). Stimulants typically come in the form of powder,
pills or capsules, rocks or injectable fluids.
EXAMPLES OF STIMULANTS:
1. Amphetamine
This is a stimulant prescribed by physicians to reduce appetite, relieve minor cases of mental
depression, or to ease discomforts brought on by fatigue and sleepiness.

2. Caffeine is a slightly bitter alkaloid or methyl xanthine. It is a widely use drugs that is often in
cocoa, soft drinks, and over – the-counter medications.

3. Cocaine is extracted from coca bush leaves. Natives of the Andes Mountain used to chew its
leaves to combat fatigue and to be recharged while working at high altitudes.
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Dangerous Drugs – WEEK 3

4. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, Locally, known as shabu. This is a white odorless crystal or

crystalline powder with bitter numbing taste.

II. Depressants – are the kinds of drugs that induce sleep, prevent seizures, as well as relieve anxiety and
muscle spasms.

Examples of Depressants
1. Alcohol – is also known by the following trade names: whisky, beer, brandy, gin, and wine.
2. Barbiturates-is a combination of the words Barbara and urea. German Chemist Adolf von Baeyer
discovered it.
3. Tranquilizers (Benzodiazepines) - produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle
spasms.

Examples of Tranquilizers
a. Rohypnol- is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that produces hypnotic, sedative, anti-
anxiety and muscle relaxant effects.
b. GHB/ Gamma- hydroxybutyric acid- is a generic drug sodium oxybate that is usually available as an
odorless colorless liquid with a slightly taste.

III. Hallucinogens- are drugs that produce delusions and hallucinations.

- Hashish- (concentrated cannabis) - refers to the concentrated resin that has been extracted from
marijuana.
- MDMA (3,4 –methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine)-this is commonly known as Ecstasy.

Why is ecstasy used?

- For socialization - For sensory enhancement
- For self-Psychotherapy - As a substitute for speed
 Mescaline -is a chemical that is extracted from the cactus peyote.
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Dangerous Drugs – WEEK 3
 Ketamine- is a tranquilizer that is most commonly used on animals.
 LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) - is a semi-synthetic alkaloid extracted from
fungus.

IV. Narcotics – the term narcotic comes from the Greek word for stupor.

Examples of Narcotics
Opium- is made of the coagulated juice of the opium poppy.
Heroin or Diacetylmorphine (INN) – is a semi-synthetic opioid, which is the 3,6- diacetyl derivative of
morphine.
Codeine – is a component of opium and a derivative of morphine
Morphine- comes from the name of the Greek god of dreams Morpheus.
Hydromorphone-is part of a class of drugs called opioids which includes morphine.
Oxycodone- is a popular semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic that can be abused orally or intravenously.
Methadone- as a synthetic (man-made) narcotic.
Inhalants- are volatile substances derived from chloroform or ether.

Commonly Abused drugs in the Philippines

1. Shabu (methamphetamine hydrocholoride)
2. Marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol)
3. Ecstasy/ MDMA (Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine)

Law Against Drug Abuse

In the Philippines, there are several laws against these drugs, as listed in the categories
(schedules) formulated by the Department of Health

Controlled Substance
The controlled Substance Act of 1970 separate drugs that may be abuse into five (5) categories
(Schedules) based on the used and biological effects of the drugs. Strict regulations for the use and supply
of the drugs in each schedule are also established.

Schedule 1 – Almost all the drugs in this schedule (e.g, heroin, LSD, marijuana are illegal and have a high
potential for dependence and abuse).
Schedule 2 – These drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, morphine, some barbiturates) are highly
addictive but can remain in medical use because of the lack of satisfactory non-addictive
alternative medications.
Schedule 3 – This schedule includes drugs that have some potential for abuse or dependence (e.g.,
acetaminophen or aspirin with codeine, some appetite suppressant)
Schedule 4 – These drugs (e.g, diazepam, choral hydrate, and phenobarbital) are considered less likely to
cause dependence or to be abused as much as the drugs in schedule 3; however, the
prescription is covered by the same regulations that govern schedule 3.
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Dangerous Drugs – WEEK 3
Schedule 5 – These drugs (e.g., some antidiarrheal medications and cough medicine) are included in the
regulations because they contain small amounts of narcotics.

In the Republic of the Philippines

Presidential Decree No. 1619

AN ACT PENALIZING THE USE OR POSSESSION OR THE UNAUTHORIZED SALE TO

MINORS OF VOLATILE SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF INDUCING INTOXICATION OR IN ANY
MANNER CHANGING, DISTORTING OR DISTURBING THE AUDITORY, VISUAL OR MENTAL
PROCESS
Republic Act 9165

AN ACT INSTITUTING THE COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002,

REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6425, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF
1972, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE

Also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Signed: June 7, 2002
Published: June 19, 2002
Took effect: July 4, 2002
IRR: August 30, 2002
Published: October 31, 2002

END OF TOPIC