Abstract
Given the impact of substance use disorder on public health and social development, synthesizing evidence can inform policies and programs tailored to Filipinos. This review included studies on substance-related disorders among Filipinos from 2006 to 2026. The search drew on four databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and HERDIN, using keywords related to substance use and related outcomes and the Philippines. Data from eligible studies were extracted and compared using narrative synthesis and the biopsychosocial framework. A total of 338 publications were identified. After excluding duplicate records and conducting screening and eligibility assessments, the review included 28 study reports. The findings show that biological factors such as sex, age, smoking habits, and physical health were associated with substance use. Likewise, psychosocial factors, including mental health issues, psychological distress, maladaptive coping strategies, severity of drug use, recovery skills, peer substance use, family and peer support, school involvement, drug access, food insecurity, challenging home environments, and life stressors, were associated with substance use. These results support a biopsychosocial model for understanding substance use and a multi-level intervention ranging from improving individual mental health and coping skills to strengthening family, school, and peer support in the Philippines. Future research can focus on longitudinal and nationally representative studies.