DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has reported a steady and alarming increase in methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, intoxication cases over the past three years, with specialists now receiving suspected drug intoxication patients almost every day.
According to Dr. Ella Joy Nogas, Medical Specialist at the SPMC Poison Treatment and Control Institute, the number of patients suffering from shabu intoxication has now surpassed alcohol intoxication cases—a significant shift that underscores the growing burden of illegal drug-related medical emergencies.
Dr. Nogas said nearly all suspected drug intoxication patients are first brought to the hospital’s Emergency Room before being referred to the Poison Treatment and Control Institute for specialized treatment and monitoring.
“The referrals have noticeably increased compared to previous years,” she said, emphasizing that the trend has become more evident over the last three years.
Severe Symptoms Raise Concern
Medical experts at SPMC said patients admitted for shabu intoxication frequently exhibit life-threatening symptoms, including:
- Critically elevated blood pressure;
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations;
- Extreme anxiety and agitation;
- Aggressive or violent behavior; and
- Severe psychological distress.
Among the most alarming cases are young patients whose blood pressure has reached 200/100 mmHg, a dangerously high level that significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other fatal cardiovascular complications if left untreated.
Despite the severity of these cases, Dr. Nogas said the Poison Treatment and Control Institute has successfully managed many patients by providing immediate medical intervention aimed at eliminating methamphetamine from the body and stabilizing their condition.
She cited instances involving patients as young as 17 and 20 years old who arrived in critical condition but were successfully treated through timely medical care.
Medical Care, Not Criminal Investigation
Dr. Nogas clarified that the role of the Poison Treatment and Control Institute is strictly focused on providing medical treatment and emergency care.
“Our responsibility is to address the patients’ medical needs, not to investigate their personal circumstances,” she stressed.
The institute’s priority is to prevent complications and save lives regardless of the circumstances surrounding the patient’s drug use.
Drug Cases Now Outnumber Alcohol Intoxication
SPMC has observed that while alcohol intoxication cases have gradually declined, admissions involving illegal drugs—particularly methamphetamine—have steadily risen.
The trend represents a major shift in poisoning cases being handled by the hospital and highlights the growing health consequences associated with illegal drug use.
Although the increase is evident, Dr. Nogas said the hospital has not yet reached a definitive conclusion regarding the primary factors driving the surge in shabu intoxication cases.
Mental Health Cases Also Increasing
Apart from drug intoxication, Dr. Nogas also disclosed that SPMC has recorded a noticeable increase in patients suffering from mental health disorders in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the medical specialist, more patients are now taking maintenance medications such as anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant drugs, with some arriving at the hospital in critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
The simultaneous rise in mental health-related emergencies and drug intoxication cases has added pressure on healthcare providers managing emergency and poison treatment services.
Continuing Vigilance
Despite the growing number of referrals, SPMC assured the public that its Poison Treatment and Control Institute remains equipped to manage intoxication cases through immediate assessment, monitoring, and specialized treatment to prevent severe complications.
Hospital officials continue to monitor the trend closely while emphasizing the importance of early medical intervention for suspected drug intoxication, as prompt treatment remains critical in preventing permanent injury or death.