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" THE NORMAL APPROACH TO ADDICTION" Curbing Addiction: Nature of Approach       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 who can detect should any drug problem may occur in the school premises.       Civic organizations [ Jaycees, Rotary , Lions, Kiwanis,etc.,] PTA organizations and other organizations are encouraged to launch meaningful and effective programs related to drugs. 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 l972 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:       (1) Government officials and employees .[Sec. 24 as amended by Sec. 19 RA No. 7659];       (2) Apprehending or arresting officer who misappropriates/ or misapplies the seized or confiscated dangerous drugs.[Sec. 20 as amended by Sec. 17 RA 7569].        (3) Guilty of planting evidence.4 [Sec. 24 as amended by Sec. 19, RA NO. 7569].       More over, 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 bail bond]to ensure incarceration of the violators of the drug laws and to discourage the use of prohibited/regulated drugs. The Normal Approaches To 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) Convulsions and hallucinations in severe cases. 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 coffee- 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 counter measures to prevent 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 counseling 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 children 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 belonging, feelings of love and affection, and open channels of communication.       PRAISE THE LORD! Back | Home | Next

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