Drugs Basic 2 Social Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

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

• Explain the meaning of drugs
• List examples of drugs
• Classify drugs into legal and illegal

What are Drugs?

Simple Definition: Drugs are substances (things) that people take to make them feel better when they are sick, or substances that can change how their body works.

Detailed Explanation for Children: Drugs are special medicines and substances that can help us when we are sick, but some drugs can also hurt us if we use them wrongly or if we are not supposed to use them at all.

Types of Drugs

1. Good Drugs (Legal/Medicine Drugs)

These are drugs that doctors and parents give us to help us feel better when we are sick.

Examples of Good Drugs:

• Paracetamol/Panadol: For headache and fever

• Cough syrup: For cough and cold
• Antibiotics: For serious infections (given by doctors)
• Vitamins: To help us grow strong and healthy

• Eye drops: For eye problems
• Antiseptic: To clean cuts and wounds

Characteristics of Good Drugs:

• Doctors or parents give them to us
• They help us get well when we are sick
• They come with instructions on how to use them
• They are sold in pharmacies and hospitals
• They have proper labels showing what they are for

2. Bad Drugs (Illegal Drugs)

These are drugs that are not medicine and can hurt our body and brain. Children and even adults should not use these drugs.

Examples of Bad Drugs (Children should know to avoid these):

• Cigarettes: Smoking tobacco that hurts the lungs

• Alcohol (Beer, wine, spirits): Drinks that make people behave strangely

• Indian hemp (Igbo/Wee): Plant that people smoke illegally
• Cocaine: White powder that is very dangerous

• Heroin: Very dangerous drug that can kill people
• Tramadol (when used wrongly): Medicine that becomes dangerous when not used properly

Why These Drugs Are Bad:

• They can damage our brain and body
• They can make us very sick
• They can make us behave badly
• They are against the law (illegal)
• They can kill people
• They make people unable to think clearly

Classification of Drugs

Legal Drugs

What “Legal” Means: These are drugs that the government says are okay for some people to use in the right way.

Categories of Legal Drugs:

1. Prescription Medicines:

• What they are: Medicines that only doctors can give
• Examples: Antibiotics, strong pain medicines, injections
• Rules: Only doctors can decide who should take them
• Where to get them: Hospitals and pharmacies with doctor’s prescription

2. Over-the-Counter Medicines:

• What they are: Medicines that parents can buy without seeing a doctor first
• Examples: Paracetamol, cough syrup, vitamins
• Rules: Parents can buy them but should follow instructions
• Where to get them: Pharmacies, some shops

3. Age-Restricted Legal Drugs (Not for Children):

• What they are: Drugs that are legal for adults but not for children
• Examples: Alcohol, cigarettes
• Rules: Only adults (18 years and above) can legally buy them
• Important: Even though they are legal for adults, they can still be harmful

Illegal Drugs

What “Illegal” Means: These are drugs that the government says no one should use because they are dangerous.

Examples of Illegal Drugs:

• Indian hemp (Marijuana/Weed): Plant that people smoke
• Cocaine: White powder drug
• Heroin: Very dangerous injected drug
• Methamphetamine (Mkpuru mmiri): Chemical drug
• Ecstasy: Party drug that can kill

Why They Are Illegal:

• They damage the brain and body severely
• They can kill people quickly
• They make people commit crimes
• They destroy families and communities
• They have no medical benefits when used illegally
• They are addictive (hard to stop using)

How to Identify Drugs

Good/Legal Medicines:

• Have proper labels: Show what they are for
• Come in proper containers: Bottles, boxes with instructions
• Are given by trusted adults: Parents, doctors, nurses
• Have expiry dates: Show when they are no longer safe to use
• Have clear instructions: How much to take and when

Bad/Illegal Drugs:

• Often hidden: People try to hide them
• No proper labels: Don’t show what they really are
• Come from strangers: People you don’t know well try to give them
• Are expensive: Cost a lot of money
• Make people behave strangely: Users act in unusual ways

Important Safety Rules About Drugs

Rules for Taking Good Drugs (Medicines):

1. Only take medicine given by your parents or doctor
2. Never take medicine by yourself
3. Always ask an adult before taking any medicine
4. Take only the amount your parent or doctor says
5. Don’t share your medicine with friends
6. Tell your parents if medicine makes you feel strange

Rules for Avoiding Bad Drugs:

1. Never take anything from strangers
2. Say “NO” loudly if someone offers you drugs
3. Run away from people offering drugs
4. Tell your parents or teacher immediately
5. Don’t touch things that look like drugs
6. Stay away from places where bad drugs are used

Where People Get Drugs

Legal Drugs (Good Places):

• Hospitals: Where doctors work
• Pharmacies: Medicine shops with trained pharmacists
• Clinics: Small medical centers
• Health centers: Community medical facilities
• With doctor’s prescription: Paper from doctor saying what medicine you need

Illegal Drugs (Bad Places to Avoid):

• Street corners: Where bad people sell drugs
• Hidden places: Dark alleys, abandoned buildings
• From strangers: People you don’t know
• At parties: Where adults use bad drugs
• Online: People selling drugs on internet

What to Do If Someone Offers You Drugs

Steps to Stay Safe:

1. Say “NO” clearly and loudly
2. Walk away immediately
3. Don’t listen to what they say
4. Find a trusted adult quickly
5. Tell your parents or teacher what happened
6. Don’t keep it a secret

Things They Might Say (And Why You Should Still Say No):

• “It will make you feel good” – But it will make you very sick
• “Everyone is doing it” – Good children don’t do it
• “Just try it once” – One time can hurt you badly
• “Don’t tell anyone” – Secrets about drugs are always bad
• “It’s not harmful” – They are lying to you

Signs That Someone Might Be Using Bad Drugs

Physical Signs:

• Red or strange-looking eyes
• Smelling bad or unusual
• Acting very tired or very excited
• Not eating properly
• Looking sick often

Behavior Signs:

• Acting strangely or differently
• Being angry for no reason
• Sleeping too much or not sleeping
• Not caring about school or work
• Staying away from family

Important: If you see these signs in someone, tell a trusted adult immediately.

Why Some People Use Drugs Wrongly

Bad Reasons People Give (But They’re Still Wrong):

• “To feel happy” – But drugs make people sad later
• “To forget problems” – But problems get worse with drugs
• “Because friends do it” – Good friends don’t make you take drugs
• “To be brave” – Real bravery is saying no to drugs
• “To look cool” – Taking drugs makes you look foolish, not cool

The Difference Between Medicine and Bad Drugs

CLASS EXERCISE – WEEK 2

Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C):

1. What are drugs?

1. A) Only things that make you sick
2. B) Substances that can help when you’re sick or change how your body works
3. C) Only candy and sweets

1. Which is an example of a good drug?

1. A) Indian hemp
2. B) Paracetamol for fever
3. C) Alcohol

1. Legal drugs are:

1. A) Drugs that the government says are okay for some people to use properly
2. B) All drugs that exist
3. C) Only drugs that taste good

1. Which is an illegal drug?

1. A) Cough syrup from pharmacy
2. B) Vitamins
3. C) Cocaine

1. What should you do if a stranger offers you drugs?

1. A) Take it and try it
2. B) Say “NO” loudly and tell your parents
3. C) Keep it as a secret

1. Where should you get medicine when you are sick?

1. A) From strangers on the street
2. B) From hospitals and pharmacies with your parents
3. C) From your friends at school

1. Which is NOT a sign of someone using bad drugs?

1. A) Red strange eyes
2. B) Eating healthy food regularly
3. C) Acting very strangely

1. Why are some drugs called “illegal”?

1. A) Because they are too expensive
2. B) Because they are dangerous and can hurt people
3. C) Because they taste bad

1. Who should give you medicine when you are sick?

1. A) Your friends at school
2. B) Strangers
3. C) Your parents or doctor

1. What makes a drug “good” or legal?

1. A) It helps people get better and is approved by doctors
2. B) It is free
3. C) It is colorful

Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C, 5-B, 6-B, 7-B, 8-B, 9-C, 10-A