Drug Abuse and Substance II – Activities of Drug Control Agencies Basic Science JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Basic Science
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age Range: 12 – 14 years
Topic: Drug Abuse and Substance II – Activities of Drug Control Agencies
Sub-Topic: Misuse of Herbal Medicine

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives (SMART Objectives)

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the roles of key drug control agencies (e.g., NAFDAC, NDLEA).
2. Differentiate between drug misuse and drug abuse.
3. Identify the dangers of herbal medicine misuse and how it impacts health.
4. Discuss practical ways to ensure safe drug practices at home and in society.

Keywords:

• Drug control agencies
• NDLEA, NAFDAC activities
• Herbal medicine misuse
• Safe drug practices

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Lagos State Basic Science Textbook
• Infographics on NAFDAC and NDLEA activities
• Newspaper articles on herbal medicine misuse cases
• Posters or videos from NAFDAC on drug safety

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher will ask students to recall what they learned in Week 1 about the effects of drug abuse and prevention strategies. Students will share examples of drugs they’ve heard about and discuss how drug misuse affects people.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical Thinking: Evaluating the roles of drug control agencies
• Collaboration: Group activities discussing herbal medicine misuse
• Communication: Presenting findings from research on drug misuse

Instructional Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Basic Science
• WHO publications on herbal medicine
• Charts showing functions of drug control agencies

Content:

 Meaning of Drug Control Agencies and Their Roles

Drug control agencies are government bodies responsible for regulating drugs and substances to ensure public health and safety. In Nigeria, the main drug control agencies include:

1. NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control):
   • Ensures the safety, effectiveness, and quality of food, drugs, and cosmetics.
   • Regulates the importation, manufacturing, and sale of drugs.
2. NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency):
   • Enforces laws on drug trafficking and substance abuse.
   • Conducts public awareness campaigns against drug abuse.
3. SON (Standards Organization of Nigeria):
   • Sets standards for drugs and ensures compliance.
   • Collaborates with NAFDAC to prevent counterfeit drugs.

Misuse of Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines are natural remedies made from plants. While they can be beneficial when used correctly, misuse can lead to serious health risks. Misuse includes:

1. Overdose: Taking too much of a herbal remedy can cause toxic effects.
2. Wrong Combination: Mixing herbal medicine with other drugs without professional advice.
3. Unverified Claims: Some herbal products are sold with false claims of healing diseases.
4. Poor Regulation: Unlike pharmaceuticals, some herbal products are not strictly regulated.

How to Prevent Drug and Herbal Medicine Misuse

• Always consult a doctor before taking herbal remedies.
• Ensure all drugs and medicines are approved by NAFDAC.
• Avoid self-medication and follow prescriptions carefully.
• Educate family and friends about the dangers of drug misuse.

Board Summary:

1. Drug Control Agencies:
   • NAFDAC: Regulates drugs, food, and cosmetics.
   • NDLEA: Prevents drug trafficking and abuse.
2. Misuse of Herbal Medicine:
   • Overdose and wrong combinations are harmful.
   • Ensure NAFDAC approval for safety.

Class Activities Discussion 

1. What is NAFDAC?
   • NAFDAC regulates the safety of drugs and food in Nigeria.
2. What is NDLEA’s main role?
   • NDLEA enforces laws against drug trafficking and abuse.
3. What is drug abuse?
   • It refers to the misuse of drugs for non-medical purposes.
4. Can herbal medicine be harmful?
   • Yes, if misused or taken without professional advice.
5. How can we prevent drug misuse?
   • Follow prescriptions and consult health professionals.
6. Why is drug control important?
   • To ensure public health and safety.
7. What happens if you overdose on herbal medicine?
   • It can lead to toxicity and health complications.
8. Are herbal medicines regulated in Nigeria?
   • Some are, but others are not strictly regulated.
9. What does SON do?
   • SON sets standards for products, including drugs.
10. How can students avoid drug abuse?

• Avoid peer pressure and say no to drugs.

Evaluation: 

1. NAFDAC stands for ________________.
   a) National Drug Control Agency
   b) National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
   c) Nigerian Drug Control Force
   d) National Food Commission
2. NDLEA fights against ________________.
   a) Piracy
   b) Counterfeit goods
   c) Drug trafficking and abuse
   d) Electoral fraud
3. The combination of herbal and other drugs without advice is called ____________.
   a) Self-medication
   b) Drug trafficking
   c) Unsafe mixing
   d) Herbal overdose
4. ___________ regulates the safety and quality of drugs in Nigeria.
   a) SON
   b) NDLEA
   c) NAFDAC
   d) WHO

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Introduce the lesson by discussing the role of drug control agencies.
2. Show charts or videos on NAFDAC’s role in preventing drug misuse.
3. Engage students in a discussion about herbal medicine misuse.
4. Correct students’ responses where necessary and encourage participation.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Participate in the class discussion on drug control agencies.
2. Share personal knowledge or experiences related to drug safety.
3. Answer fill-in-the-blank questions in groups.

Assessment

1. What is the role of NAFDAC?
2. How does NDLEA help prevent drug abuse?
3. List two dangers of herbal medicine misuse.
4. What should you do before using herbal remedies?

Conclusion:

The teacher will review the key points of the lesson and provide feedback on students’ performance. Students will be encouraged to share what they learned with family and friends to promote drug safety.