The use of illegal drugs in the Philippines declined by 16.6 percent, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) reported on Monday, Dec. 2, citing report from the 2023 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse.
DDB Executive Director Earl P. Saavedra explained the 2023 survey results showed that the current drug use prevalence decreased to 1.7percent, which is a drop of 16.6 percent, from the 2019 rate of 2.05 percent.
In the estimated population, Saavedra said that the figure translates to a drop of 11.7 percent from 1.675 million current drug users in 2019 to 1.479 million for 2023.
“These figures reflect a positive shift and highlight the success of ongoing government efforts to address drug use through evidence-based, health center approaches,’’ Saavedra said.
He said the reduction in drug use is a testament to the effectiveness of comprehensive strategies focused on prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.
“From 2019 to 2023, we have seen a downward trend in current drug use, demonstrating the impact of strengthened public awareness campaigns, targeted interventions and changes in government policy,’’ said Saavedra.
The findings proves the effectiveness of the government-led health and human rights-based approach in addressing the nation’s drug concerns by offering hope and a model for sustainable progress, according to him.
Conducted regularly, the DDB noted that the survey utilizes face-to-face interviews, gathering responses from 12,495 households nationwide.
Saavedra explained that the National Household Survey is a comprehensive study the DDB conducts to assess drug use trends and behaviors in the Philippines.