Drug Abuse: Concept of Drug Abuse, Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse, Effects of Abuse of Stimulants and Sources of Drugs | Primary 5 (Basic 5) Third Term Week 6 Social Studies

DRUG ABUSE: CONCEPT OF DRUG ABUSE, FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DRUG ABUSE, EFFECTS OF ABUSE OF STIMULANTS AND SOURCES OF DRUGS 

SOCIAL STUDIES

PRIMARY 5 – THIRD TERM – WEEK 6

THEME – NATIONAL VALUES EDUCATION 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Physical Fitness and Population: Things to Do to Keep Our Body Physically Fit, Characteristics of Household Population and Effects on Personal Hygiene | Primary 5 (Basic 5) Third Term Week 5 Social Studies

TOPIC – DRUG ABUSE 

LEARNING AREA 

1. Introduction

2. Meaning and Sources of Drug Abuse

3. Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

4. Meaning and Effects of Abusing Stimulants

5. How to Prevent Drug Abuse

6. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers/Assignment

7. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of drug abuse.

2. Mention at least five factors that can contribute to drug abuse.

3. Explain the meaning of stimulants.

4. Mention at least five effects of abusing stimulants.

5. Identify different sources of drugs and medicines.

6. State ways of preventing drug abuse.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned about physical fitness and population, including ways of keeping the body physically fit and the effects of household population on personal hygiene.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by teaching pupils about drug abuse, factors that can contribute to drug abuse, effects of abusing stimulants, and sources of drugs.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Pictures of medicines and drug-related warning signs

2. Charts showing healthy and unhealthy behaviours

3. Samples or pictures of medicine containers and labels

4. Flashcards

5. Posters on drug abuse prevention

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

People use medicines and other drugs for different purposes, especially to prevent or treat illnesses. However, medicines can become harmful when they are used wrongly, taken without proper guidance, or taken in amounts that are not recommended.

For example, taking another person’s medicine or taking more medicine than directed can be dangerous. Some substances called stimulants can increase alertness and activity, but abusing them can cause harmful effects.

In this lesson, pupils will learn about the concept of drug abuse, factors contributing to drug abuse, effects of abusing stimulants, and sources of drugs.

LESSON 1 – MEANING OF DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse is the wrong, harmful, or improper use of drugs, especially when they are used without proper medical advice or for purposes other than their intended use.

Drugs can be useful when properly used. However, abusing them can harm the body and affect a person’s behaviour, learning, relationships, and safety.

Examples of drug misuse include:

1. Taking medicine without proper guidance.

2. Taking more medicine than instructed.

3. Using another person’s prescription medicine.

4. Using drugs for purposes other than treating an illness.

5. Taking harmful substances to feel excited or unusually active.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DRUG ABUSE

Several factors can contribute to drug abuse, including:

1. Peer pressure – Friends may encourage a person to misuse drugs.

2. Curiosity – Some people may try drugs because they want to know their effects.

3. Bad company – Associating with people who misuse drugs can encourage the behaviour.

4. Lack of proper guidance – Children who do not receive proper guidance may make unsafe choices.

5. Stress and emotional problems – Some people may misuse drugs when trying to cope with difficult situations.

6. Easy access to drugs – Easy availability can encourage misuse.

7. Lack of awareness – Not knowing the dangers of drug abuse can lead to misuse.

8. Family problems – Conflict or lack of proper care and supervision may contribute to risky behaviour.

9. Media influence – Some media content may present substance use in an attractive or misleading way.

LESSON 2 – MEANING OF STIMULANTS

Stimulants are substances that increase activity in the brain and nervous system, making a person feel more alert or energetic for a period of time.

Some substances with stimulant effects include caffeine and nicotine. Certain stimulant medicines are also used medically under professional supervision.

EFFECTS OF ABUSING STIMULANTS

Abusing stimulants can cause:

1. Restlessness

2. Difficulty sleeping

3. Fast heartbeat

4. Anxiety or nervousness

5. Poor concentration after the effects wear off

6. Headaches

7. Irritability

8. Loss of appetite

9. Dependence or addiction

10. Serious health problems when heavily or repeatedly abused

Children should not take stimulant medicines or other drugs without proper guidance from a parent, guardian, doctor, or other qualified health professional.

LESSON 3 – SOURCES OF DRUGS

Drugs and substances can come from different sources. These include:

1. Hospitals and clinics – Medicines may be provided for the treatment of illnesses.

2. Pharmacies – Medicines can be obtained from licensed pharmacies.

3. Doctors and other qualified health professionals – They prescribe or recommend medicines when necessary.

4. Traditional medicine practitioners – Some medicines are prepared and supplied through traditional medical practices.

5. Plants – Some medicines and substances are obtained from plants.

6. Laboratories and pharmaceutical companies – Many medicines are manufactured through scientific processes.

7. Illegal sources – Some harmful or controlled substances may be obtained illegally. Such substances can be dangerous and should be avoided.

HOW TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse can be prevented by:

1. Saying no to unsafe drug use.

2. Avoiding bad company and negative peer pressure.

3. Taking medicines only as directed by a qualified health professional.

4. Never sharing prescription medicines.

5. Learning about the dangers of drug abuse.

6. Talking to trusted adults about problems and pressure.

7. Reporting unsafe drug activities to responsible adults or appropriate authorities.

8. Following instructions on medicines carefully.

ON A FINAL NOTE 

• Drugs can be useful when properly prescribed and used, but drug abuse can cause serious physical, mental, social, and behavioural problems.

• Children should avoid misusing drugs, resist negative peer pressure, and seek guidance from trusted adults and qualified health professionals.

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT 

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Drug abuse means ______.

A. using drugs only in hospitals

B. using drugs wrongly or improperly

C. keeping medicines safely

D. following a doctor’s instructions

2. Which of the following can contribute to drug abuse?

A. Good parental guidance

B. Peer pressure

C. Proper medical advice

D. Learning about drug safety

3. Stimulants are substances that can ______.

A. increase activity in the brain and nervous system

B. always make a person sleep

C. cure every illness

D. replace healthy food

4. Which of the following can be an effect of abusing stimulants?

A. Better health

B. Improved growth

C. Restlessness and fast heartbeat

D. Stronger bones

5. Which of the following is a safe source of medicines?

A. Unknown street seller

B. Stranger

C. Friend’s personal medicine

D. Licensed pharmacy

B. Fill in the Gaps

Options – pharmacy, peer pressure, drug abuse, stimulants, guidance

6. The wrong or harmful use of drugs is called ______.

7. ______ from friends can influence a person to misuse drugs.

8..Substances that can increase activity in the brain and nervous system are called ______.

9. Medicines can be obtained safely from a licensed ______.

10. Children need proper ______ from parents and other trusted adults to avoid drug abuse.

C. True or False

11. Drug abuse can be harmful to a person’s health. ______

12. Children should take medicines without guidance from adults or health professionals. ______

13. Peer pressure can contribute to drug abuse. ______

14. Abusing stimulants can cause restlessness and fast heartbeat. ______

15. Licensed pharmacies is safe source of medicines. ______

D. Matching

16. Peer pressure – A. Can increase activity in the brain and nervous system

17. Pharmacy – B. Wrong or harmful use of drugs

18. Doctor – C. Influence from friends

19. Drug Abuse – D. A place where medicines can be obtained safely

20. Stimulants – E. Qualified person who can prescribe medicines

ANSWER KEY

1. B 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. D

6. drug abuse

7. peer pressure

8. stimulants

9. pharmacy

10. guidance

11. True

12. False

13. True

14. True

15. False

16. C – Influence from friends

17. D – A place where medicines can be obtained safely

18. E – Qualified person who can prescribe medicines

19. B – Wrong or harmful use of drugs

20. A – Can increase activity in the brain and nervous system

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that drug abuse is the wrong, harmful, or improper use of drugs. Drugs and medicines can be useful when they are properly prescribed and used according to instructions, but their misuse can harm the body and affect a person’s behaviour and health.

Pupils learned that factors that can contribute to drug abuse include:

• Peer pressure

• Curiosity

• Bad company

• Lack of proper guidance

• Stress and emotional problems

• Easy access to drugs

• Lack of awareness

• Family problems

They also learned that stimulants are substances that can increase activity in the brain and nervous system. Abuse of stimulants can cause effects such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, fast heartbeat, anxiety, headaches, irritability, and loss of appetite.

Pupils learned that medicines can be obtained from safe sources such as hospitals, clinics, licensed pharmacies, and qualified health professionals. They should avoid unknown or illegal sources of drugs.

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

The teacher shows pupils pictures of medicines, a pharmacy, a hospital, and drug-abuse warning signs and asks:

• What do you see in the pictures?

• Why do people take medicines?

• Is it safe to take medicine meant for another person?

• Where should we get medicines?

• What can happen when drugs are used wrongly?

The teacher explains that medicines can help people when they are properly used, but wrong or harmful use of drugs can cause serious problems.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe the pictures and discuss the proper and improper use of medicines.

Step 2: Meaning of Drug Abuse

The teacher explains that drug abuse means the wrong, harmful, or improper use of drugs.

Drug abuse can include:

• Taking medicine without proper guidance.

• Taking more medicine than directed.

• Using another person’s prescription medicine.

• Using drugs for purposes other than their intended use.

• Using harmful substances to produce certain feelings or effects.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils explain drug abuse in their own words and give examples of improper drug use.

Step 3: Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

The teacher explains that several factors can contribute to drug abuse.

• Peer pressure – Friends may encourage someone to misuse drugs.

• Curiosity – A person may try drugs because they want to know their effects.

• Bad company – Keeping company with people who misuse drugs may encourage the behaviour.

• Lack of proper guidance – Children need proper guidance from parents, guardians, teachers, and other trusted adults.

• Stress and emotional problems – Some people may make unsafe choices when dealing with difficult situations.

• Easy access to drugs – Easy availability can encourage misuse.

• Lack of awareness – Not knowing the dangers of drug abuse can lead to unsafe choices.

• Family problems – Conflict or lack of proper supervision may contribute to risky behaviour.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify factors that can encourage drug abuse.

Step 4: Meaning of Stimulants

The teacher explains that stimulants are substances that can increase activity in the brain and nervous system.

• Some substances have stimulant effects, such as caffeine and nicotine. Some stimulant medicines may also be used medically under professional supervision.

The teacher stresses that children should not take stimulant medicines or other drugs without proper guidance from a qualified health professional.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils state what stimulants are and discuss why medicines should be used properly.

Step 5: Effects of Abuse of Stimulants

The teacher explains that abusing stimulants can cause:

• Restlessness.

• Difficulty sleeping.

• Fast heartbeat.

• Anxiety or nervousness.

• Headaches.

• Irritability.

• Loss of appetite.

• Poor concentration after the effects wear off.

• Dependence or addiction.

• Other serious health problems when heavily or repeatedly abused.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention some effects of abusing stimulants.

Step 6: Sources of Drugs

The teacher explains that drugs and medicines can come from different sources.

• Hospitals and clinics – Medicines may be provided for treating illnesses.

• Licensed pharmacies – Medicines can be obtained from approved pharmacies.

• Doctors and qualified health professionals – They can prescribe or recommend medicines when necessary.

• Traditional medicine practitioners – Some medicines are prepared through traditional medical practices.

• Plants – Some medicines are obtained from plants.

• Laboratories and pharmaceutical companies – Many medicines are manufactured through scientific processes.

• Illegal sources – Some harmful or controlled substances are obtained illegally and should be avoided.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify safe sources of medicines and explain why unknown sources should be avoided.

Step 7: Ways of Preventing Drug Abuse

The teacher explains that pupils can help prevent drug abuse by:

• Saying no to unsafe drug use.

• Avoiding bad company.

• Resisting negative peer pressure.

• Taking medicines only as directed by a qualified health professional.

• Never sharing prescription medicines.

• Learning about the dangers of drug abuse.

• Talking to trusted adults when facing problems or pressure.

• Reporting unsafe drug activities to responsible adults or appropriate authorities.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils suggest ways of avoiding drug abuse.

Step 8: Group Activity

The teacher divides pupils into four groups.

• Group 1: Explain the meaning of drug abuse and give three examples.

• Group 2: Mention five factors that can contribute to drug abuse.

• Group 3: Mention five effects of abusing stimulants.

• Group 4: Mention five safe sources of medicines.

Each group presents its answers to the class.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils discuss, write, and present their answers.

Step 9: Lesson Summary

The teacher reviews the main points of the lesson, focusing on the meaning of drug abuse, factors contributing to drug abuse, stimulants and their effects, and sources of drugs.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer oral questions and summarise what they have learned.

Step 10: Evaluation

The teacher gives pupils a different set of 20 questions as oral questions, a quiz, take-home work, or a quick test to assess their understanding.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the questions individually or in groups.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Primary 5 – Social Studies Mid Term Test Questions and Answers

Prevention of Drug Abuse and Life Coping Skills: How to Prevent Drug Abuse, Health Promotion Behaviour, Non-Governmental Organizations, Moral Responsibility and Consequences | Primary 5 (Basic 5) Third Term Week 8 Social Studies

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What is drug abuse?

2. Mention five factors that can contribute to drug abuse.

3. What are stimulants?

4. Mention five effects of abusing stimulants.

5. State five safe sources of medicines and drugs.

6. Mention five ways of preventing drug abuse.

8. Why should children not take medicines without proper guidance?