Advocating the optimal involvement of the Government Agencies towards war on illegal Drugs (original) (raw)
Illicit drug trafficking is the most common and ubiquitous illegal drug activity in the Philippines. As the drug problem affects the economy and security of a country, community must actively participate in drug prevention and control activities. These measures must be based on the rule of law, human rights, and the promotion of public health and safety. This research assessed the extent of programs implemented by the government. The data obtained were analyzed using weighted mean, and paired t-test, utilizing 0.05 level of significance. Results of the study showed that the results of the data analysis indicated that there is a need to enforce rigorous law enforcement, implement preventative programs, early identification and appropriate interventions and treatment and rehabilitation. Strengthen the resources and capacities of the local government units in executing successful interventions on the ground. although the results have shown positive implication on the programs implemented, data still suggest that there is still a need to strengthen the participation between community and our government. Keywords: Optimal involvement, War on drugs, Government agencies participation Introduction Drug addiction is a well-known chronic illness defined by obsessive, or uncontrolled, drug seeking and use despite negative effects and long-term brain alterations. These brain alterations can result in the detrimental behaviors seen in drug users (Spanagel & Heilig, 2005; Volkow, 2010). Shahrokh (2019) finding shows that drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop (NIDA, 2019). Similarly, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (2016) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020) have stressed that all addictive substances work in the brain to generate their euphoric effects. Some, on the other hand, can cause harm to the brain through seizures, strokes, and direct toxic effects on brain cells (Treadwell & Robinson, 2007; Jain, 2021). Murphy et al. (2012) have stated that drug use can also lead to addiction, a brain condition caused by alterations in the function of several brain circuits that govern pleasure/reward, stress, decision-making, impulse control, learning and memory, and other processes. These changes make it more difficult for people who have an addiction to feel pleasure in response to natural rewards like food, sex, or pleasant social interactions, or to manage their stress, regulate their impulses, and make the healthy decision to cease drug seeking and usage (Woicik et al., 2010). According to recent HCBTS (2019) findings, substance addiction may appear to simply impact the individual who is consuming. However, because addiction is a harmful condition that may harm the community, family, and person, it is extremely uncommon that other individuals be unaffected. Neglecting obligations as a result of drugs can have a detrimental impact on a person's job, children's schooling, or family's financial stability (Peele et al, 1992; Wood, 2008; West & Brown, 2013). Their influence might even extend beyond the immediate family. Friends or neighbors who rely on their presence or company may suffer as a result of their absence. According to a previous study done by the Australian government (2019), each medication generates various bodily responses based on the kind of substance. Some will make you feel more alert, aware, and active. Others will make you feel peaceful and comfortable. Some can induce hallucinations and change your senses. Others may cause you to become numb. Long-term usage and higher dosages have undesirable side effects that can gravely affect your health and even cause death, including illness risks from sharing needles and irreversible brain and other organ damage.