Drug Use, Misuse, and Abuse

Drug Use, Misuse, and Abuse

General Information

Subject: Physical and Health Education
Class: JSS 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 11–14 years
Topic: Drug Use, Misuse, and Abuse
Sub-topic: Meaning of Drug, Meaning of Drug Use, Misuse and Abuse, Categories of Drugs, Health Consequences of Drug Misuse and Abuse, Prevention of Drug Abuse/Misuse Among Young People
Duration: 40 minutes

Key Components

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

1. Define drug use, misuse, and abuse.
2. Identify different categories of drugs and their effects.
3. Understand the health consequences of drug misuse and abuse.
4. Learn methods to prevent drug abuse and misuse among young people.

Keywords: Drug, Drug Use, Drug Misuse, Drug Abuse, Stimulants, Narcotics, Tranquilizers, Psychedelic, Depressants, Prevention.

Set Induction
The teacher starts with a question: “Have you ever heard about people using drugs for reasons other than medical treatment? What do you think happens when someone does that?” This question will engage students in thinking about the impact of drug misuse and abuse.

Entry Behavior
Students have some knowledge about health-related issues but may not be fully aware of the different types of drugs and their effects.

Learning Resources and Materials

1. Visual aids (posters or pictures showing examples of drug categories).
2. Handouts on the meaning, misuse, and abuse of drugs.
3. Real-life scenarios or videos highlighting the consequences of drug misuse and abuse.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have been previously introduced to topics on health and wellness, and are familiar with basic health habits.

Embedded Core Skills

1. Critical thinking
2. Communication
3. Decision-making
4. Self-awareness

Instructional Materials

1. Chart showing different types of drugs.
2. A short video or case study on drug misuse and abuse.
3. Handouts or slides on the health consequences of drug misuse.

Content Details

Meaning of Drug

A drug is any chemical substance that is used to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent diseases. Drugs can also be used to reduce symptoms, control weight, or manage pain.

Meaning of Drug Use

Drug use refers to the taking of medications for an intended medical purpose. It involves using the drug in the appropriate amount, frequency, strength, and manner as prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider.

Meaning of Drug Misuse

Drug misuse is the use of drugs for purposes other than their intended medical use, or using them in the wrong amounts. This can happen even when a drug is prescribed but is taken incorrectly (e.g., taking more than the prescribed dosage, or using it for recreational purposes).

Meaning of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is the excessive, intentional, and harmful use of drugs. It involves taking drugs for non-medical reasons, often leading to negative consequences. Drug abuse can significantly impact a person’s mental, physical, social, and emotional health. For example, doping in sports is a form of drug abuse.

Categories of Drugs

Drugs can be classified into several categories based on their effects on the body:

1. Stimulants: These drugs increase the activity of the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and energy levels. Examples: caffeine, nicotine, cocaine.
2. Narcotics: These drugs are used to relieve pain but can lead to physical dependence. Examples: morphine, heroin.
3. Tranquilizers: These drugs have a calming effect and are often used to treat anxiety. Examples: benzodiazepines, barbiturates.
4. Psychedelic or Hallucinogens: These drugs alter perception, mood, and thoughts, sometimes leading to hallucinations. Examples: LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
5. Depressants, Sedatives, or Hypnotics: These drugs slow down the activity of the central nervous system and can induce sleep or reduce anxiety. Examples: alcohol, sleeping pills, some anti-anxiety medications.

Health Consequences of Drug Misuse and Abuse

1. Mental Health: Drug misuse and abuse can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
2. Physical Health: Long-term misuse or abuse of drugs can damage organs, such as the liver, heart, and kidneys, and can lead to conditions like lung disease, liver failure, and heart problems.
3. Social Health: Drug misuse can affect a person’s relationships, leading to isolation, family issues, and problems at school or work.
4. Addiction: Drugs can be highly addictive, and prolonged use can lead to dependence, where the person needs the drug to feel “normal.”
5. Overdose: In extreme cases, drug abuse can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.

Prevention of Drug Abuse/Misuse Among Young People

1. Education: Teaching young people about the dangers of drug misuse and abuse helps them make informed decisions about their health.
2. Strong Family Support: Encouraging strong family relationships and communication helps protect young people from engaging in risky behaviors like drug abuse.
3. Peer Influence: Surrounding oneself with positive friends and peers who discourage drug misuse and abuse can reduce the risk of getting involved in such behaviors.
4. Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teaching young people healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and peer pressure (e.g., through sports, hobbies, or talking with a trusted adult) helps prevent the misuse of drugs.
5. Setting Clear Boundaries: Young people should be taught to set boundaries when it comes to substance use, and understand the consequences of drug misuse and abuse.

Evaluation Questions

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. A drug is any _______ substance used to treat or prevent diseases.
   a) Chemical
   b) Organic
   c) Artificial
   d) Toxic
2. _______ refers to using drugs for an intended medical purpose.
   a) Drug use
   b) Drug misuse
   c) Drug abuse
   d) Drug prevention
3. _______ is using drugs in a manner other than prescribed or for non-medical reasons.
   a) Drug use
   b) Drug misuse
   c) Drug abuse
   d) Drug prevention
4. _______ is the excessive and harmful use of drugs for non-medical purposes.
   a) Drug use
   b) Drug misuse
   c) Drug abuse
   d) Drug prevention
5. _______ are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system.
   a) Depressants
   b) Narcotics
   c) Stimulants
   d) Tranquilizers
6. _______ drugs are used to relieve pain and can lead to physical dependence.
   a) Narcotics
   b) Stimulants
   c) Psychedelics
   d) Depressants
7. _______ drugs are used to treat anxiety and have a calming effect.
   a) Narcotics
   b) Tranquilizers
   c) Stimulants
   d) Depressants
8. _______ drugs can alter perceptions and lead to hallucinations.
   a) Narcotics
   b) Stimulants
   c) Psychedelics
   d) Depressants
9. _______ drugs slow down the central nervous system and can induce sleep.
   a) Depressants
   b) Tranquilizers
   c) Stimulants
   d) Psychedelics
10. Drug abuse can lead to _______ problems such as liver damage and heart disease.
    a) Emotional
    b) Social
    c) Physical
    d) Financial
11. _______ can occur when someone takes a drug in excessive amounts.
    a) Addiction
    b) Overdose
    c) Withdrawal
    d) Tolerance
12. The long-term effects of drug misuse can lead to _______ dependence.
    a) Mental
    b) Physical
    c) Social
    d) Emotional
13. _______ is one way to prevent drug abuse among young people.
    a) Ignoring the problem
    b) Educating them about the risks
    c) Encouraging them to try drugs
    d) Giving them more freedom
14. A strong _______ support system helps protect young people from drug misuse.
    a) Peer
    b) Family
    c) Teacher
    d) Social
15. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as _______ or talking to someone, can prevent drug misuse.
    a) Sleeping
    b) Exercising
    c) Drinking
    d) Running

15 FAQs with Answers

1. What is a drug?
   A drug is any chemical substance used to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent diseases.
2. What is drug use?
   Drug use refers to taking drugs for their intended medical purposes, in the correct amount and frequency.
3. What is drug misuse?
   Drug misuse occurs when drugs are used for purposes other than their intended use, or taken incorrectly.
4. What is drug abuse?
   Drug abuse is the excessive and harmful use of drugs for non-medical purposes.
5. What are stimulants?
   Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness.
6. What are narcotics used for?
   Narcotics are used to relieve pain, but they can be addictive.
7. What is the role of tranquilizers?
   Tranquilizers have a calming effect and are used to treat anxiety.
8. What are hallucinogens?
   Hallucinogens are drugs that alter perception and can cause hallucinations.
9. How do depressants affect the body?
   Depressants slow down the activity of the central nervous system and can induce sleep.
10. What are the health consequences of drug abuse?
    Drug abuse can lead to mental health issues, physical damage to organs, addiction, and overdose.
11. What is the risk of addiction in drug abuse?
    Drug abuse can lead to addiction, where the person becomes dependent on the substance.
12. How can drug misuse be prevented?
    Through education, family support, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms.
13. Why is peer influence important in preventing drug abuse?
    Positive peer relationships can discourage drug misuse and encourage healthy behaviors.
14. How can parents help prevent drug misuse?
    Parents can provide guidance, open communication, and be role models for their children.
15. What should young people do to cope with stress instead of using drugs?
    Young people can engage in activities like sports, hobbies, or talking with a trusted adult.

Conclusion

Review the importance of understanding the differences between drug use, misuse, and abuse. Highlight how drug misuse and abuse can harm mental, physical, and social health, and encourage students to share their thoughts on how to stay drug-free and help others avoid drug misuse.