VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2013
A SLICE OF ORANGE Refreshing Your Health
KEEPING DRUGS OUT OF THE OFFICE • What drugs do • Know your poison • Warning signs of addiction
Keeping drugs out of the office IN THIS TWO-PART SERIES, READ ABOUT THE MUST-KNOWS OF KEEPING A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE. A nationwide study by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency showed that 2% to 4% of the general population use illegal drugs. A 2004 study showed that this may even be an
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/BenefitsMadeBetter
underestimation, and that the numbers could exceed 6 million Filipinos. And because of work-related stress and the capacity to pay, the workforce is a vulnerable population for drug abuse.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2013
But what exactly is drug abuse? The Ameri-
Know your poison
can Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and
Aside from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, the most commonly abused substances are
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses
marijuana, methamphetamine (shabu), cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, inhalants (such as the
the term “substance abuse” as a blanket term
fumes of contact cement or “Rugby”), and less frequently, heroin and opium. Please see the
to include abuse of drugs and other non-drug
table below to know more about these drugs.
substances, such as alcohol and adhesives, among others.
Substance abuse is a patterned (and re-
peated) use of a substance (drug) in which the
Drug
Street name
Effects on the body
Marijuana
Dope, grass, herb, joint, Mary Jane, pot, weed
Euphoria; relaxation; slowed reaction time; distorted sensory perception; impaired balance and coordination; increased heart rate and appetite; impaired learning and memory; anxiety; panic attacks; psychosis/ cough; frequent respiratory infections; mental health decline; addiction
Shabu
meth, ice, crank, chalk, crystal, fire, glass, go fast, speed
Cocaine
blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, coke, crack, rock, snow, toot
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism; feelings of exhilaration; increased energy, mental alertness; tremors; reduced appetite; irritability; anxiety; panic; paranoia; violent behavior; psychosis; weight loss; insomnia; heart disease; stroke; seizures; addiction
Ecstasy
E, Eve, lover’s speed, peace, uppers
Hallucinations; increased tactile sensitivity, empathic feelings; lowered inhibition; anxiety; chills; sweating; teeth clenching; muscle cramping; sleep disturbances; depression; impaired memory; hyperthermia; addiction
Ketamine
Cat Valium, K, Special K, vitamin K
Feelings of being separate from one’s body and environment; impaired motor function; anxiety; tremors; numbness; memory loss; impaired memory; delirium; respiratory depression; death
person consumes the substance in amounts or with methods neither approved nor supervised by medical professionals. This is a very broad definition. However, in this series, we will limit our discussion to mood-altering or psycho-active drugs; illegal drugs; and substances that can cause dependency/addiction (i.e., the compulsive need to use the substance in order to function normally or avoid withdrawal symptoms). These substances can either cause physical harm, dependence, or both. What drugs do
According to Dr. Irces G. Bautista, a dip-
lomate of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, and the occupational health physician of ActiveLink, there are many reasons why people abuse drugs. Some people try drugs out of curiosity. Many people want to have a good time. Others are influenced or pressured by friends. Importantly, most use
Inhalants
Stimulation; loss of inhibition; headache; nausea or vomiting; slurred speech; loss of motor coordination; wheezing/cramps; muscle weakness; depression; memory impairment; damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems; unconsciousness; sudden death
drugs to ease stress, anxiety, or depression. No matter how “good” a drug “high” feels, drug abuse can cause a myriad of problems. When recreational drugs are used, they cause a surge of dopamine in your brain, which triggers feelings of pleasure. Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them
Heroin
Smack, horse, brown sugar, dope, H, junk, skag, skunk, white horse, China white; cheese
Opium
Big O, black stuff, block, gum, hop
repeated. This craving for repeated pleasure causes addiction. Your brain begins to think that taking the drug is as basic for its existence as eating and drinking. Meanwhile, drugs also impair your ability to think clearly, exer-
Euphoria; drowsiness; impaired coordination; dizziness; confusion; nausea; sedation; feeling of heaviness in the body; slowed or arrested breathing; constipation; heart infections; hepatitis; HIV; addiction; fatal overdose
cise good judgment, and control your behavior. Also, the dose you need to get the same
The urge to use drugs becomes so strong
You ignore your relationships and social or
“high” increases, and you end up taking more
that it eventually takes first priority in your life.
family obligations. From there, it’s a down-
and more.
Your performance at work begins to slide.
ward spiral.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER 2013
Warning signs of addiction
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired
how much, or how often. No matter how of-
While the physical effects of drug abuse vary
coordination
ten or how little, if drug use is causing difficul-
with the drug, there are signs and symptoms
• Drop in attendance and performance
ties in your life, whether at work, at home, in
common to most. People who abuse drugs
your finances, or in your relationships, then
begin to neglect their responsibilities at work
there is a problem.
• Unexplained need for money or
or in the home. They can get into trouble with
the law, either through disorderly conduct,
• Secretive or suspicious behaviors
It is not about the kind of drug used, or
People who abuse drugs begin to neglect their responsibilities at work or in the home.
driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit. Fights with loved ones or colleagues become more common. And they have stopped doing things they used to enjoy before, such as hobbies or sports. Lastly, most addicted people ignore or downplay their addiction problem. Other warning signs you may observe are: • Bloodshot eyes, or pupils that are larger
or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Deterioration of physical appearance
and grooming habits
at work or school financial problems
• Sudden change in friends, hangouts,
and hobbies
• Frequently getting into trouble • Unexplained change in personality
or attitude
• Sudden mood swings, irritability,
or angry outbursts
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity,
agitation, or giddiness
• Lack of motivation; appears lethargic
or “spaced out”
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid,
with no reason
If you think you have become addicted, or think that someone you know is addicted,
• Unusual smells on the breath, body,
what can you do? Stay tuned for help out of
the dark pit, on next month’s issue.
or clothing
Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better de Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Ben Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better de Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Bettertips Benefits Made Better Benefits Get daily health that will surely uplift yourMade life. Better Ben Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better de Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Better Benefits Made Better Ben Like usMade on Facebook. Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better facebook.com/BenefitsMadeBetter de Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Ben Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better A Better CTIV E L I Made N K Better Ben de Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Benefits Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better www.activelinkbenefits.com Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better de Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Benefits Made Better Ben
ActiveLink is now on Facebook!
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2013 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 7/F Electra House Building 115-117 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City www.activelinkbenefits.com
A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD