BASIC SCIENCE SECOND TERM E-LEARNING NOTES

Week 3: Drug Abuse, Addiction, Misuse, and Sources of Drugs

Subject: Basic Science

Class: JSS 1 (Basic 7)

Term: Second Term

Week: 3

Duration: 40 minutes

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Behavioral Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define drugs and their uses.
2. Explain drug abuse, addiction, and misuse.
3. Identify the side effects of drug abuse.
4. Classify types of drugs and other substances abused.
5. Describe ways to prevent drug abuse.

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Keywords

• Drug – A substance used for medical treatment.
• Drug Abuse – The misuse of drugs for non-medical purposes.
• Addiction – A condition where a person cannot stop taking a drug.
• Stimulant – A substance that increases body activity.
• Depressant – A drug that slows down body functions.
• Hallucinogen – A substance that affects the mind and causes hallucinations.

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Instructional Materials

• Wall charts showing different types of drugs.
• Pictures of common and hard drugs.
• Online resources (videos, animations).
• Textbooks.

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Previous Knowledge

Students have previously learned about the Prevention of STIs, HIV/AIDS.

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Lesson Content

Sub-Topic 1: Meaning of Drugs

A drug is any substance used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases in humans or animals.

Examples of drugs:

• Common Drugs: Aspirin, Phensic, Panadol, Paracetamol.
• Natural Stimulants: Kola nut, Coffee, Tea.
• Hard Drugs: Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, LSD.

Uses of Drugs:

1. Medical purposes – Treatment of diseases.
2. Pain relief – Used to reduce pain (e.g., paracetamol).
3. Weight control – Some drugs help in weight management.
4. Stimulation – Some drugs act as stimulants (e.g., caffeine).
5. Inducing sleep – Some drugs help people sleep (e.g., sleeping pills).

Evaluation Questions

1. Define a drug.
2. Mention three examples of drugs.
3. List two uses of drugs.

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Sub-Topic 2: Side Effects of Drugs

When drugs are taken incorrectly or abused, they can cause harm to the body.

Effects of Drug Abuse:

1. Weakens the body.
2. Shortens life span.
3. Damages internal organs (e.g., liver and kidneys).
4. Reduces concentration and learning ability.
5. Affects the brain and nervous system.
6. Causes irregular heartbeat and breathing problems.
7. Leads to economic waste (spending too much money on drugs).

Classification of Drugs
Drugs are classified into:

1. Narcotics (e.g., Opium) – Pain relievers that can be addictive.
2. Sedatives and Hypnotics (e.g., Barbiturates) – Cause sleep and relaxation.
3. Tranquilizers (e.g., Valium, Librium) – Reduce anxiety and tension.
4. Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, Marijuana) – Affect perception and thinking.
5. Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamine) – Increase body activity.

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Sub-Topic 3: Drug Abuse and Misuse

Drug Abuse is the wrong use of drugs, especially for non-medical purposes.

Ways People Abuse Drugs

1. Taking drugs without a doctor’s prescription.
2. Taking drugs for purposes other than intended.
3. Using drugs to induce sleep without medical advice.
4. Taking drugs to gain confidence or energy.
5. Using drugs to enhance sexual performance.
6. Sharing prescribed drugs with others.
7. Taking expired drugs without knowing.

Misuse of Drugs
Some athletes misuse drugs to:

• Increase performance in competitions.
• Build muscles artificially.
• Stay active for long hours.

Other Substances Abused

• Caffeine (Tea, Coffee) – Can cause sleep problems.
• Alcohol – First makes a person excited, then depressed.
• Tobacco (Cigarettes, Snuff) – Causes lung diseases.

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Public Enlightenment on Drug Abuse

• Schools and communities educate students on the dangers of drug abuse.
• Governments create campaigns against hard drugs.
• Religious groups help to rehabilitate drug addicts.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define drug abuse.
2. State two effects of drug abuse.
3. Mention three substances that are often abused.
4. How can drugs be misused?
5. Name one drug classified as a stimulant.

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Class Activities

1. The teacher displays pictures of common and hard drugs.
2. Students discuss ways drugs can be misused.
3. The teacher explains the side effects of drug abuse.
4. Students act out a short drama on peer pressure and drug abuse.
5. The teacher corrects students’ responses and explains further.

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Assessment (Short Answer Questions)

1. Define drug abuse.
2. Mention two side effects of drug abuse.
3. List three types of drugs.
4. Name two hard drugs.
5. Give two examples of common drugs.
6. Mention one medical use of drugs.
7. How does alcohol affect the body?
8. What type of drug is marijuana?
9. Name one stimulant.
10. What is one way to prevent drug abuse?

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Assignment

1. What are drugs?
2. State the medical uses of two drugs.

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Conclusion

The teacher reviews the lesson and allows students to ask questions. Necessary corrections are made, and books are marked.