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"THE NORMAL APPROACH
TO ADDICTION"
Curbing Addiction: To avoid addiction society has the following classes
of legal approach to the drug problems.
First, is preventive in
nature.
Second, deterrent to would- be-violators .
Third, actual
incarceration[imprisonment] of the offenders.
Fourth, The curative and
rehabilitative approach.
Fifth, other alternative approaches.
Preventive Measures: The preventive measures of drug abuse may partake
of various forms. Some are instructional. Others are informative and
educational. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports [DECS] has
undertaken this task by:
(1) Providing reading materials, books and pamphlets for the pupils
and students depicting the dangers of drugs abuse.
(2) Making drug abuse
and its the danger [i.e., addiction] part
of the school curriculum.
(3) By promoting drug awareness through programs, parade, conferences,
oratorical contest slogan contests, etc.
(4) Creating in schools
premises some drug watch organizations to monitor, prevent drug
trafficking inside the school premises/campuses.
(5) Guidance centers of
the schools are geared to prevent
drugs activities in schools by
employing some trainors or staff with adequate knowledge of drugs whocan
detect should any drug problem may occur in the school premises.
Civic organizations [ Jaycees, Rotary , Lions,etc.,] PTA organizations
and other organizations are encouraged to launch meaningful and effective
programs related to drugs.
The Deterrent Factors. Penal laws are provided
to punish violators so that by knowing the gravity of the offense and the
extent of the incarceration[period of imprisonment] it would deter others
to commit any drug related offenses.
As further deterrent to addictions,
the Family Code provides that addiction and alcoholism are valid grounds
for annulment of marriage and legal separation.[Art. 46(4), Family Code and
Art. 55 (5), Family Code].
Actual Incarceration or Imprisonment of
Violators . Drugs program may prosper in the Philippines by proper
implementation of the penal laws on drug related cases. Actual
incarceration may put an end to the pushers of the drugs related
activities. Unfortunately, however, there are disturbing reports that drugs
are still findings their ways inside the prison cells due to laxity of some
guards or due to some conniving acts between the prisoners and the law
enforcers.
Our laws, especially, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 as
amended [Rep. Act No. 6425 as amended] are more than sufficient on this
matter. It is just a question of sincere and proper implementation of the
penal laws of the Philippines by the enforcing authorities[Anti-Narcotic
Agents, PNP and other enforcing agencies] that is being needed.
Maximum
penalties are also imposed on the offenders, especially when the offenders
are government officials and employees .[Sec. 24 as amended by Sec. 19 RA
No. 7659]; the apprehending or arresting officer who misappropriates/or
misapplies the seized or confiscated dangerous drugs.[Sec. 20 as amended by
Sec. 17 RA 7569]. or Guilty of planting evidence.4 [Sec. 24 as amended by
Sec. 19, RA NO. 7569].
Morever, plea-bargaining provision not enjoyable
by offenders committing an act where the imposable penalty is reclusion
perpetua to death.[Sec. 20-A as inserted by Se.18 RA No. 7659].
Recently,
bails of drug related cases are being increased and made payable in cash
[not bailbond]to ensure incaceration of the violators of the drug laws and
to discourage the use of prohibited/regulated drugs.
The Normal Approach/esTo Addiction
Normally, the symptoms of addictions[alcoholism,smoking, etc.] may
include of the following:
(1) Stomach pain;
(2) Anxiety;
(3) Muscle cramps;
(4) Nausea and vomiting;
(5) Palpitations;
(6) Panic attacks,
(7) Shaking,
(8)Sweating and tearfulness; and
(9)Perverted feelings and queer behavioral
attitudes.
Remedial Cure;
Normal Approach
Curing dependence means-
(1) Giving up all illegal drugs, and doctors
avoiding the over-prescription of potentially addictive medical
drugs.
(2) Stopping smoking ;
(3) Reducing alcohol intake to moderate
levels; and
(4) Cutting down on stimulants such as tea and cofee-
using decaffeinated coffee to reduce caffeine.
The Recommended Cure
To cure addictions, drugs, alcoholism, etc. therapist recommend the
following:
(1)Acupuncture.;
(2)Psychotherapy ;
(3) Homeopathy; and
(4)Naturopathy.
The Drug War
The prevention of drug abuse involves activities undertaken to avoid,
reduce, or eliminate the adverse consequences of misusing and abusing
drugs, especially those identified as psychoactive. Among the several
approaches are: employment of drug strategies, macro-approach, drug testing
law-enforcement technique self-help and parental assistance.
General drug
abuse prevention strategies include:
(1) reducing the supply of
drugs;
(2) reducing the demand for drugs; and
(3) inoculating drug
users against unhealthy, irresponsible drug taking behavior.[Carroll, p.
459];
The macro-approach to drug abuse prevention involves the promotion of a
"drug-free atmosphere as well as a community-wide effort to reduce
substance abuse and chemical dependency.
Among the various
countermeasures to preve nt abuse in the workplace are drug testing by
urinalysis and the proper coordination with the employers.
Drug-law
enforcement techniques include use of informants, surveillance, undercover
operations, "drug raids"," buy-bust operation", interdiction and
intelligence gathering.
There are several approaches to addiction
treatment, but one thing is essential to them all-addicts have to realize
that they have a problem, and be convinced that they want to change.
Although many people are reluctant to talk to their doctors about these
problems, most doctors are only too happy to offer help and advice. For
most forms of addiction it is best to start with self-help. Read about how
to tackle the problem- a doctor can advise on pamphlets and publications.
Addict should seek counselling and support from self-help organizations
such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Weight Watchers, or alcohol or drug
information centers. [Alternative Medicine, pp. 17-18];
Parents can
function in the primary prevention of drug abuse and abuse by helping
chidren develop basic life-skills , such as self-discipline, decision
making, and benefiting from mistakes, and by promoting models of strong and
thoughtful adults, a sense of belonginess, feelings of love and affection,
and open channels of communication.
PRAISE THE LORD!
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