Effects and Prevention of Drug Abuse

Subject: Basic Science

Class: JSS 3

Term: First Term

Week: 1

Age: 12 – 14 years

Topic: Drug and Substance Abuse

Sub-Topic: Effects and Prevention of Drug Abuse

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Define drug and substance abuse.
2. Explain the physical and social effects of drug abuse.
3. Identify strategies for preventing drug abuse.
4. Understand how positive coping skills and social interaction can help prevent substance misuse.

Keywords

• Drug Abuse: Misuse of drugs or substances for non-medical purposes.
• Inculcation: Instilling habits or values.
• Coping Skills: Techniques used to manage stress and challenges.
• Abscess: A collection of pus caused by infection, often from improper drug injection.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A way of living that promotes physical and mental well-being.

Set Induction

The teacher begins by asking students:
“Have you ever heard stories of people getting sick from using drugs without a doctor’s advice? What do you think caused their illness?” This question stimulates curiosity about the dangers of drug misuse and sets the stage for the lesson.

Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with common medications such as pain relievers and cough syrups. They also understand the importance of following a doctor’s advice.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Charts illustrating how drug abuse affects the brain, lungs, and other organs.
• Flashcards of coping strategies and healthy lifestyle habits.
• A short video on how young people can avoid drug use.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds students that drugs are meant to heal, but when used improperly, they can harm the body.

Embedded Core Skills

• Health Awareness: Learning to care for the body and mind.
• Decision-Making: Making smart choices to stay healthy.
• Social Interaction: Developing positive relationships to avoid negative peer pressure.

Instructional Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Textbooks on Basic Science
• Markers and whiteboard for notes

Content

1. Meaning of Drug and Substance Abuse

• Drug abuse occurs when a person uses a drug or substance excessively or in ways not intended, often without medical supervision.
• Drugs commonly abused include alcohol, tobacco, codeine, tramadol, and marijuana.
• Substances like glue, petrol, and paint thinner are sometimes misused by inhalation to get “high.”

2. Effects of Drug Abuse

• Physical Effects:
  • Stomach Upset: Drugs can irritate the stomach lining, causing pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Damaged Nostril and Lungs: Inhaling drugs can damage the nasal passages and lead to lung problems like bronchitis.
  • Skin Rashes: Some people experience allergic reactions when they misuse certain drugs.
  • Injection Abscesses: Using unsterilized needles or injecting drugs improperly can cause infections and abscesses.
• Social and Mental Effects:
  • Poor school performance and dropping out.
  • Withdrawal from family and friends.
  • Increased involvement in criminal activities.
  • Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or hallucinations.

3. Prevention of Drug Abuse

• Inculcation of Coping Skills: Learning to handle stress and peer pressure through activities like sports or creative hobbies.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest reduce the temptation to use drugs.
• Positive Social Interactions: Having friends and mentors who promote healthy habits helps resist negative influences.
• Awareness and Education: Knowing the dangers of drug abuse helps students make smart choices.

Board Summary

• Drug Abuse: Misusing drugs or substances without medical guidance.
• Effects: Stomach upset, lung damage, skin rashes, abscesses, poor social behavior.
• Prevention: Coping skills, healthy living, positive interactions, awareness.

Class Activity Discussion on Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse 

1. What is drug abuse?
   • Misuse of drugs or substances for non-medical reasons.
2. Give one physical effect of drug abuse.
   • Stomach upset.
3. How does drug abuse affect relationships?
   • It can cause withdrawal from family and friends.
4. What happens if you inject drugs improperly?
   • Abscesses may form due to infections.
5. What are coping skills?
   • Methods to handle stress, like exercising or journaling.
6. Name one commonly abused drug.
   • Tramadol.
7. Why are healthy lifestyles important?
   • They help prevent the temptation to use drugs.
8. What can positive social interactions do?
   • They protect against negative peer pressure.
9. How can education prevent drug abuse?
   • By teaching about the dangers of drug misuse.
10. What role does peer pressure play in drug abuse?

• It can push people toward bad habits if not managed.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Introduces the topic and guides the discussion.
2. Uses charts and videos to explain drug abuse effects.
3. Engages students in group activities to create prevention posters.
4. Corrects misconceptions and summarizes key points on the board.

Learners’ Activities

1. Contribute to class discussions and ask questions.
2. Work in pairs to create posters on drug prevention.
3. Participate in role-play scenarios to practice saying no to peer pressure.

Evaluation: 

1. Drug abuse means __________ drugs for non-medical purposes.
   a) sharing
   b) using
   c) misusing
   d) selling
2. One physical effect of drug abuse is __________ lungs.
   a) healthy
   b) damaged
   c) strong
   d) active
3. Misuse of injectable drugs can lead to __________.
   a) abscesses
   b) vitamins
   c) exercises
   d) muscles
4. A __________ lifestyle can prevent drug abuse.
   a) lazy
   b) unhealthy
   c) healthy
   d) tired
5. Developing __________ skills helps prevent drug use.
   a) coping
   b) fighting
   c) acting
   d) social
6. Inhaled drugs can damage the __________.
   a) stomach
   b) nostrils
   c) heart
   d) liver
7. Good friends help prevent drug abuse by promoting __________ interactions.
   a) negative
   b) lazy
   c) positive
   d) stressful
8. __________ helps people understand the dangers of drug misuse.
   a) Inculcation
   b) Education
   c) Imitation
   d) Confusion
9. Allergic reactions from drug misuse can cause __________.
   a) skin rashes
   b) headaches
   c) hunger
   d) energy
10. Lack of drug education can lead to poor __________.
    a) choices
    b) memories
    c) holidays
    d) sports
11. Stomach __________ is a common effect of drug abuse.
    a) upset
    b) joy
    c) strength
    d) fullness
12. Tobacco use is a leading cause of __________ disease.
    a) respiratory
    b) eye
    c) digestive
    d) brain
13. A person abusing drugs may withdraw from __________.
    a) family
    b) exams
    c) food
    d) shopping
14. Injection abscesses are caused by __________ needles.
    a) clean
    b) unsterilized
    c) fresh
    d) metal
15. Mental health issues from drug abuse include __________.
    a) happiness
    b) anxiety
    c) calmness
    d) kindness

Conclusion

The teacher checks students’ activities, marks their work, and provides feedback on their understanding.

More Useful Links 

• Story Built on Dangers of Drug Abuse Structure English Grammar Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3
• Effects of Drug Abuse and Herbal Remedies Physical and Health Education Primary 4 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 11
• Drug Abuse and Health for Social Studies Primary 3