41.32% of convicted drug users belong to 15- to 19-yr-old age range

Drug users belonging to the 15to 19-year-old age group, comprise 41.32 percent of drug convictions in the country, said the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) in a statement on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

“It is unfortunate that we are witnessing drug abuse among the younger generation unfolding right in front of our eyes. Drugs not only destroy lives but also hopes, dreams, and aspirations in this world,’’ the DDB said in a statement.

The disclosure came as the DDB and the Bureau of Support Servicesyouth Formation Division (BLSSYFD) of the Department of Education (Deped) are hosting the Fourth National Barkada Kontra Droga Convention, embracing the theme, “Empathy in Action: Breaking Barriers, Creating Safe Space” until April 26, 2024.

“We enjoin everyone to be part of this ‘Nationwide Barkadahan’, which promotes leadership, camaraderie, and building bridges towards drug-free Philippines,’’ the DDB added.

Earlier, the DDB attributed the rise in the “Treatment and Rehabilitation Admission Information System (TRAIS) to the enhanced implementation of the “Persons Who Use Drug’’ programs of the government.

In a statement, the DDB also pointed to the willingness of clients to undergo voluntary treatment and rehabilitation services offered by the government.

The DDB noted that in 2023 the TRAIS recorded a total of 5,546 admissions to Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRC) nationwide, marking a significant 43.49 percent increase from the 3,865 admissions in 2022.