Vol. 8 No.

1 December 2012 Liceo Journal of Higher Education Research

CHED-Accredited Research Journal,Category A
Print ISSN 2094-1064 • Electronic ISSN 2244-0437
doi:

Incidence of Substance Use among Selected

Adolescents in the City of Iloilo
ROLANDO A. ALIMEN
ORCID NO. 0000-0002-3040-9339
[email protected]

MA. CECILIA D. ALIMEN

ORCID NO. 0000-0003-3547-8832
[email protected]
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University
Iloilo City, Philippines

Abstract - Medline’s medical encyclopedia defines drug abuse as

“the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter
drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in
a manner or in quantities other than directed.” This study focused on
the incidence of substance use among young adolescents in the city of
Iloilo. The study involved both quantitative and qualitative methods
of research, supplemented by the records and documents from the
Department of Social Welfare and Development – Region VI (Western
Visayas). The respondents were 11 teenage substance users. Findings
reveal that all the respondents who aged between 9-19 used rugby.
Majority of them belonged to intact families, but with parents who
had no regular work. The most common reason for sniffing rugby was
"tripping". The feeling that the teenagers derived from sniffing rugby
was “flying sensation" or light headedness. Majority of the teenagers
consumed one bottle a day.

Keywords: Substance use, drug addiction, rugby use, illegal drugs

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INTRODUCTION

According to the recent Social Weather Station Survey, drug

addiction is the second most alarming problem in the country today,
relatively next to increasing crime rate. Seventy percent (70%) of the
public supports the imposition of death penalty for drug trafficking.
Soriano (2002) observed that the drug situation in the Philippines
shows that no community within the country can escape the problems
surrounding illicit drug use and its consequences. Despite years of drug
suppression and drug prevention efforts by all levels of government
and by numerous anti-drug organizations, the cycle of drug use
continues. Illicit drug trade and abuse grew and reached towns and
barangays not previously affected. New trafficking route has emerged,
new marketing strategies for illegal drugs have been developed, and
illegal drug syndicates have easily replaced their neutralized jailed
and killed members.
History reveals that the development of drug control in the
Philippines was brought about by drug problem encountered since the
Spanish Era when the Spanish colonial government imposed control in
opium. This continued during the American regime where legislations
on the use and other involvement in narcotic drugs were in effect. The
drug problem in the country since the early part of 1900s encouraged
the Philippine authorities to enact laws for the regulation of drug use
and productions. It is in this premise that the first drug control law in
the country, Republic Act no. 953 known as The Narcotic Drug Law of
1953, was passed.
In this context, Manwong (2007) stressed that educational
institutions in the Philippines today have been mandated to include
in their academic curriculum drug education to help deal with
globally acclaimed drug problem. It is for this reason that Manwong
(2007) committed to study the subject matter and to come up with
an institutional material. He emphasized that the real problem being
dealt in today’s global market for illicit drugs is a product of a complex
evolutionary process that began in the early years of the past century.
In response to the growing public alarm over high levels of drug use
and addiction in America, Europe and Asia, the great powers initiated
effort to control what they previously sanctioned. Through a series of

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in the City of Iloilo

international conventions buttressed by domestic laws, the production,

sale and consumption of wide range of drugs for anything other than
medical and scientific purposes were progressively prohibited around
the world (Stares, 1996).
Likewise, here in the Philippines, a lot of effort has been spent
to help the young people stay away from illegal drugs. Hence, the
researchers found interest in determining if substance use still occurs
among adolescents in the locality.

FRAMEWORK

Substance abuse and its related problems are among society’s most
pervasive health and social concerns. Each year, about 100,000 deaths
in the United States are related to alcohol consumption. Illicit drug
abuse and related acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
deaths account for at least another 12,000 deaths. In 1995, the economic
cost of alcohol and drug abuse was $276 billion. This represents more
than $1,000 for every man, woman, and child in the United States
to cover the costs of health care, motor vehicle crashes, crime, lost
productivity, and other adverse outcomes of alcohol and drug abuse
(National Institute of Health, 2000).
Past statistics reveals that substantial proportion of the population
drank alcohol. Forty-four percent of adults aged 18 years and older
(more than 82 million persons) reported having consumed 12 or more
alcoholic drinks in the past year. Among these current drinkers, 46
percent reported having been intoxicated at least once in the past
year—nearly 4 percent report having been intoxicated weekly. More
than 55 percent of drinkers reported having consumed five or more
drinks on a single day at least once in the past year—more than 12
percent did so at least once a week. Nearly 20 percent of drinkers
reported having consumed an average of more than two drinks per day.
Nearly 10 percent of drinkers (about 8 million persons) met diagnostic
criteria for alcohol dependence. An additional 7 percent (more than 5.6
million persons) met diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse (Institute of
Substance Use and Services, 1998).
Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems are also common
among adolescents. Age at the onset of drinking strongly predicts

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development of alcohol dependence over the course of the lifespan.

About 40 percent of those who start drinking at age 14 years or under
develop alcohol dependence at some point in their lives; for those
who start drinking at age 21 years or older, about 10 percent develop
alcohol dependence at some point in their lives. Persons with a family
history of alcoholism have a higher prevalence of lifetime dependence
than those without such a history.
According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
(NHSDA), there was an overall increase in the abuse of alcohol and
drugs among Filipinos aged 12 and older between 2000 and 2001.
Tobacco usage remained steady, although the use of cigars showed
an increase. Young people between the ages of 12 and 17 showed an
increase in marijuana and alcohol use while usage of other illicit drugs
remained statistically unchanged. There was also no change in the 12-
17 age groups with regard to the abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs.
Smoking by adults continued to decline in the year 2000. In that
year, approximately 23.3 percent of adults were current smokers. That
figure was down from 25 percent in 1993. Preliminary data for 2001
indicated that the decline continued with early estimates being about
22.8 percent of the population who smoked..
The Bible declares that alcohol is deceptive (Proverbs 20:1) and that
we are to avoid the company of those who consume too much alcohol
(Proverbs 23:19-20). We are also informed that the consumption of
alcohol may cause us to do things that are immoral (Proverbs 23:29-
33). Paul instructs that we are to be filled with the Spirit of God rather
than alcohol (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible states that our bodies are the
temple of God and that we are not to defile that temple (2 Corinthians
6:16-17:1). Instead, we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices to
God (Romans 12:1). While the Bible does not speak specifically to drug
abuse and the use of tobacco, much of its counsel on alcohol use would
certainly also apply to other destructive drugs.
Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience
an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related
problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships, and
involvement with the juvenile justice system. Additionally, there are
consequences for family members, the community, and the entire
society.

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in the City of Iloilo

Declining grades, absenteeism from school and other activities, and

increased potential for dropping out of school are problems associated
with adolescent substance abuse. Hawkins, Catalano, and Miller (1992)
cited research indicating that a low level of commitment to education
and higher truancy rates appear to be related to substance use among
adolescents. Cognitive and behavioral problems experienced by
alcohol- and drug-using youth may interfere with their academic
performance and also present obstacles to learning for their classmates
(Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992).
Injuries due to accidents (such as car accidents), physical
disabilities and diseases, and the effects of possible overdosing are
among the health-related consequences of teenage substance abuse.
Disproportionate numbers of youth involved with alcohol and other
drugs face an increased risk of death through suicide, homicide,
accident, and illness (Hawkins et al., 1998).
Mental health problems such as depression, developmental lags,
apathy, withdrawal, and other psychosocial dysfunctions frequently
are linked to substance abuse among adolescents. Substance-abusing
youth are at higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems,
including depression, conduct problems, personality disorders,
suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide. Marijuana use,
which is prevalent among youth, has been shown to interfere with
short-term memory, learning, and psychomotor skills. Motivation and
psychosexual/emotional development also may be influenced (Bureau
of Justice Statistics, 1992).
Substance-abusing youth often are alienated from and stigmatized
by their peers. Adolescents using alcohol and other drugs also often
disengage from school and community activities, depriving their peers
and communities of the positive contributions they might otherwise
have made.
In addition to personal adversities, the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs by youth may result in family crises and jeopardize many aspects
of family life, sometimes resulting in family dysfunction. Both siblings
and parents are profoundly affected by alcohol- and drug-involved
youth (Nowinski, 1990). Substance abuse can drain a family’s financial
and emotional resources (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992).

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The social and economic costs related to youth substance abuse

are high. They result from the financial losses and distress suffered
by alcohol- and drug-related crime victims, increased burdens for the
support of adolescents and young adults who are not able to become
self-supporting, and greater demands for medical and other treatment
services for these youth (Gropper, 1985).
There is an undeniable link between substance abuse and
delinquency. Arrest, adjudication, and intervention by the juvenile
justice system are eventual consequences for many youth engaged
in alcohol and other drug use. It cannot be claimed that substance
abuse causes delinquent behavior or delinquency causes alcohol and
other drug use. However, the two behaviors are strongly correlated
and often bring about school and family problems, involvement with
negative peer groups, a lack of neighborhood social controls, and
physical or sexual abuse (Hawkins et al., 1987; Wilson and Howell,
1993). Possession and use of alcohol and other drugs are illegal for all
youth. Beyond that, however, there is strong evidence of an association
between alcohol and other drug use and delinquent behavior of
juveniles. Substance abuse is associated with both violent and income-
generating crimes by youth. This increases fear among community
residents and the demand for juvenile and criminal justice services,
thus increasing the burden on these resources. Gangs, drug trafficking,
prostitution, and growing numbers of youth homicides are among
the social and criminal justice problems often linked to adolescent
substance abuse.
The DUF study found the highest association between positive
drug tests of male juvenile arrestees and their commission of drug-
related crimes (e.g., sales, possession). However, a substantial rate of
drug use also was found among youth who committed violence and
other crimes (National Institute of Justice, 1996).
Other data support the concern for drug-involved youth in the
juvenile justice system. The Survey of Youth in Custody, 1987 (Beck,
Kline, and Greenfeld, 1988) found that more than 39 percent of youth
under age 18 were under the influence of drugs at the time of their
current offense. More than 57 percent reported using a drug in the
previous month. In another study of 113 delinquent youth in a State
detention facility, 82 percent reported being heavy (daily) users

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Incidence of Substance Use among Selected Adolescents R.A. Alimen & M.C.D. Alimen
in the City of Iloilo

of alcohol and other drugs just prior to admission to the facility, 14

percent were regular users (more than two times weekly), and 4
percent reported occasional use (De Francesco, 1996).
A study conducted in 1988 in Washington, D.C. found that youth
who sold and used drugs were more likely to commit crimes than
those who only sold drugs or only used drugs. Heavy drug users were
more likely to commit property crimes than nonusers, and youth who
trafficked in drugs reported higher rates of crimes against persons.
Youth in this sample were most likely to commit burglary or sell drugs
while using or seeking to obtain drugs. About one-fourth of the youth
also reported attacking another youth to obtain drugs. However,
among the youth in this sample, the majority who committed crimes
did not do so in connection with drugs (Altschuler and Brounstein,
1991). A breakdown of crimes that youth have committed to obtain
drugs is as follows: drug selling: 36 percent; serious assault: 24 percent;
burglary: 24 percent; and robbery: 19 percent.
The 1996-97 National Parents’ Resource Institute for Drug Education
(PRIDE) study (1997) found a significant association between crimes
committed by adolescents and their use of alcohol and other drugs.
The percentage of youth who were involved in these activities and had
not used alcohol or other drugs was substantially lower.
For those who work in the juvenile justice system, new data are
constantly being reported, but the story is an old one. Juvenile justice
professionals encounter daily the distress of youth, their families,
and communities resulting from juvenile involvement in substance
abuse and delinquent behavior. These professionals also experience
the difficulties of trying to work successfully with these young
people. In terms of public health, adolescent substance use disorders
have far-reaching social and economic ramifications. The numerous
adverse consequences associated with teenage drinking and substance
use disorders include fatal and nonfatal injuries from alcohol- and
drug-related motor vehicle accidents, suicides, homicides, violence,
delinquency (Dembo et al., 1991), psychiatric disorders, and risky
sexual practices (Jainchill et al., in press). Longitudinal studies have
established associations between adolescent substance use disorders
and (1) impulsivity, alienation, and psychological distress (Hansell and
White, 1991; Shedler and Block, 1990); (2) delinquency and criminal

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behavior (National Institute of Justice, 1994); (3) irresponsible sexual

activity that increases susceptibility to HIV infection (DiClemente,
1990); and (4) psychiatric or neurological impairments associated
with drug use, especially inhalants, and other medical complications
(SAMHSA, 1996).

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study determined the incidence of substance use among street

kids in Iloilo City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved both quantitative and qualitative methods

of research. Records and documents from the Department of Social
Welfare and Development – Region VI (Western Visayas) were used
by the researchers in conducting this study to trace the factors that
contributed to substance use among adolescents in Iloilo City.
The researchers requested some students to observe the adolescents
for at least a week before they interviewed them.
Respondents of this study were 11 teenagers who were substance
users and found having sessions along Ortiz street and Gaizano-Lapaz
in Iloilo City.
The interview was the main source of data needed for the study.
The interview consisted of questions pertaining to personal data,
reasons for substance use, awareness of the effects of substance use,
and primary factors that contribute to substance use.
The researchers identified possible areas where substance users
could be found. Then, an observation was conducted at the background.
After a few days, the students requested by the researchers started to
befriend the teenagers and thought of strategies to elicit information
from them.

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Incidence of Substance Use among Selected Adolescents R.A. Alimen & M.C.D. Alimen
in the City of Iloilo

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Profile of Teenagers Engaged in Substance Use

The study determined the incidence of substance use among street

kids in Iloilo City. The respondents were profiled according to age,
family structure, socio-economic status, mother’s occupation, and
father’s occupation. Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents.

Table 1. Profile of the Respondents

Respondents f %
A. Entire Group 11 100
B. Age
10 and below 4 36
11 and above 7 64
C. Family Structure
Broken
3 27
Intact
8 73

D. Mother’s Occupation
With Regular Work 0 0
Non-regular Work 11 100

E. Father’s Occupation
0
With Regular Work 0
100
Non-regular Work 100

As shown in Table 1, among the adolescents identified as substance

users according to age, 4 or (36%) aged below 10 years, while 7 (64%)
aged 11 years and above. The oldest respondent aged 19 years.
When grouped according to family structure, 3 (27%) belonged to
broken families while 8 (73%) belonged to intact families.
When grouped according to mother’s and father’s occupation, it
is significant to note that all of the street kids' parents did not have
regular work. Based on the interview, their parents were engaged in
laundry, begging, stevedoring, scavenging, vending, coaling (manug-
uling), and other menial works. Moreover, some of the parents were

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into gambling, drinking, smoking, and substance use.

Substance Usually Used by the Teenagers

As found through observation and interview, all of the street kids

used rugby. Photo 1 shows the street kids sniffing rugby, the only
substance used by them.

Photo 1. The street kids sniffing rugby

During the conduct of the study, the researchers noted that some
of the street kids were smart or intelligent. When asked a question in
English, they also responded in English. For example; when one was
asked, “Where do you buy your rugby?” The boy answered, “No, no,
no, I will not tell you where I bought this rugby.” When asked to do
simple mathematics, 9 times 8, a boy smartly answered 72. There were
a lot of questions raised and they were able to answer them correctly.

Reasons for Substance Use

When asked why they use rugby, their answers varied. Table 2
shows their reasons. First in rank is “tripping” while last in rank is “it
is natural for bystanders.”

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Incidence of Substance Use among Selected Adolescents R.A. Alimen & M.C.D. Alimen
in the City of Iloilo

Table 2. Reasons for substance use

Reasons Frequency Rank

Tripping 4 1st
Flying Sensation 3 2nd
Head aches if cannot take rugby 2 3rd
To be satisfied 1 4th
It’s natural for bystanders/tambay 1 4th

Feeling after Taking the Substance

When asked about what they feel after using rugby, they gave
different answers shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Feelings after taking the substance

Reasons Frequency Rank

Flying sensation/light headedness 4 1st
Happiness and satisfaction 3 2nd
Has a feeling of doing what one wants 2 3rd
Feeling of helplessness 1 4th
Relief 1 4th

First in rank is “flying sensation or light headedness” while last in

rank is “relief”. It can be inferred from their answers that these street
kids wanted to forget about their problems.

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Frequency and Amount of Substance Use

Table 4 shows the street kids' answers as to the frequency and

amount of substance use.

Table 4. Frequency and amount of substance used

Frequency and Amount of Substance Used Frequency Rank

One bottle/once a day 6 1st
Two bottles/ month 3 2nd
45 ml/ once a week 2 3rd

First in rank is “one bottle/once a day” with 6 (1st in rank), followed

by two bottles a month. Last in rank is 45 ml/ once a week.

CONCLUSION

Many parents believe that substance use among teens is just a part
of growing up and is not a problem unless it “gets out of hand.” While
it is true that most teens do not have problems after experimenting
with alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants, or other drugs, some teens are led
to substance abuse because of the sensations caused by substance use.
As found in this study, poverty remains to be the sole reason
for substance use among street kids. To escape the reality of their
condition and to relieve hunger, they are tempted to use rugby. Other
contributing factors that lead these kids to substance use are lack of
parental guidance and wrong parental modeling.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, it is

then recommended that the concerned government agencies in
collaboration with non-government agencies and private institutions
should step up efforts in providing street children with quality social
care to mitigate the observed phenomenon along the local streets. It
is also recommended that further study covering a wide sample size

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Incidence of Substance Use among Selected Adolescents R.A. Alimen & M.C.D. Alimen
in the City of Iloilo

should be conducted to validate the findings of the present study and

to establish generalizability of the findings.

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