PROFILE OF DRUG ABUSERS
(Facility based)
CY 2006

AGE : Mean age of 28 years
SEX : Ratio of male to female 9:1
CIVIL STATUS : Single 57.77%
OCCUPATION : Unemployed 35.81%
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT : High School level 29.79%
ECONOMIC STATUS:Average monthly family income P13,706.43
PLACE OF RESIDENCE : Urban (specifically NCR 58.32%)
DURATION OF DRUG TAKING : More than six (6) years
NATURE OF DRUG – TAKING : Poly drug use**
DRUGS OF ABUSE : Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu)
                                 Cannabis (Marijuana)
                                 Inhalants (Contact Cement  Ex.: Rugby)

*Residential and Out-Patient Facility

** Poly drug users – abuse drugs one after the other or in combination with other intoxicating substances.

THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FACILITY-BASED CLIENTS FOR 2006

       There were more males than females in the centers’ population; the ratio is 9:1.  Most of the admitted cases, 889 (18.90% were in the age group of 25 to 29 years old.  The average or mean age is 28 years old; the youngest is 6 years old (from an outpatient facility) while the oldest is 73 years old (from a residential facility). The initial drug use, as claimed by the clients, happened between ages 15 to 19 years old. It was also noted that the duration of drug taking prior to admission is six years and above.

       More than half or 57.77% (2,717) of the total admission were single; 25.77% (1,212) were married; 10.91% (513) have live-in partners, and 4.25% (200) were separated.  Of the 4,703 cases, 35.81% (1,684) were unemployed.  For those who were employed, 34.42% (1,619) were workers, and 9.74% (458) were self-employed/ businessmen, prior to admission.

       Urban areas had the highest percentage of cases specifically the NCR with 58.32% (2,743), followed by Region IV-A, 11.67% (549).  The distribution of cases can be seen below:

       As to educational attainment, most of the clients reached high school level (29.79%) while others have college education (25.11%).

       The average monthly family income is 13,706.43.  The lowest monthly income is reported to be 300.  The most popular source of drugs is friends/peers (50.56%) and pushers (33.64%).

NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES BY GENDER
(Facility – Based)
CY 2006

*  Total Reported Cases from Residential and Out-Patient Facilities

MOST COMMONLY USED/ ABUSED DRUGS
(Facility Based)
CY 2006

*  Total Reported Cases from Residential and Out-Patient Facilities

       Drug abusers remain to be poly drugs users as indicated by their most commonly abused drugs which are Methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), 69.23% and cannabis (marijuana), 38.42%.  Abuse of contact cement (ex. Rugby) is also reported at 11.97%.

       Others preferred Benzodiazepines, 3.68% and cough/cold preparations, 2.72%.  The common route/mode of use is still inhalation/sniffing and oral ingestion.