Ways Of Knowing Someone Who Has Abused Drugs Basic 3 Social Studies Lesson Note

1. INTRODUCTION

It is important to know the signs of drug abuse so we can:

• Help people who need medical attention
• Protect ourselves and others
• Tell trusted adults when we see these signs
• Get help for people in danger

Remember: We should never judge or laugh at people with drug problems. They need help, not shame.

1. PHYSICAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
2. EYES AND FACE

What to look for:

• Red or bloodshot eyes (eyes look very red)
• Watery eyes (tears coming out often)
• Very large or very small pupils (black part of eye)
• Dark circles under eyes (looks like they haven’t slept)
• Pale or yellowish skin color
• Swollen face or cheeks

Example: Uncle John’s eyes are always red and watery. He looks very tired even in the morning.

2. BODY CHANGES

What to look for:

• Sudden weight loss (becoming very thin quickly)
• Sudden weight gain (becoming fat very fast)
• Shaky hands (hands move when they try to hold things)
• Unsteady walking (walking like they are dizzy)
• Always sweating even when it’s not hot
• Bad body odor (smelling bad)

Example: Sister Mary used to be healthy, but now she is very thin and her hands shake when she holds a cup.

3. SPEECH AND MOVEMENT

What to look for:

• Slurred speech (words not clear when talking)
• Talking very fast or very slow
• Difficulty walking straight
• Bumping into things often
• Falling down frequently
• Moving very slowly

Example: Brother Paul talks very slowly and bumps into doors when he walks.

4. STRANGE SMELLS

What to look for:

• Alcohol smell on breath or clothes
• Chemical smells like glue or petrol
• Sweet or unusual smells on body
• Strong perfume to hide other smells
• Smoke smell from cigarettes or other substances

Example: Aunty Grace always smells like she has been around chemicals or strong perfume.

1. BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
2. CHANGES IN DAILY HABITS

What to look for:

• Sleeping at strange times (sleeping during day, awake all night)
• Not eating meals or eating too much suddenly
• Not taking baths or caring about cleanliness
• Wearing dirty clothes often
• Forgetting important things like appointments

Example: Cousin Peter sleeps all day and stays awake all night. He doesn’t eat with the family anymore.

2. MONEY AND POSSESSIONS

What to look for:

• Always asking for money for unclear reasons
• Stealing money or items from family
• Selling personal belongings like clothes or phones
• Having expensive things without clear source of money
• Lying about spending money

Example: Brother Samuel keeps asking for money but can’t explain what he needs it for. Some family items have gone missing.

3. RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE

What to look for:

• Avoiding family members and old friends
• Making new friends who seem suspicious
• Being secretive about activities and locations
• Getting angry easily when asked questions
• Lying frequently about where they have been

Example: Sister Rita used to be friendly but now avoids everyone and gets angry when asked simple questions.

4. SCHOOL OR WORK PERFORMANCE

What to look for:

• Poor grades or missing school often
• Not going to work regularly
• Losing interest in hobbies and activities
• Forgetting responsibilities
• Getting into trouble frequently

Example: Cousin David was a good student but now his grades are very poor and he misses school often.

1. EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL SIGNS
2. MOOD CHANGES

What to look for:

• Happy one minute, sad the next
• Getting very angry over small things
• Crying for no clear reason
• Laughing at inappropriate times
• Being very quiet or very talkative

Example: Uncle Tom was laughing loudly in the morning but was crying and angry by afternoon for no clear reason.

2. MENTAL PROBLEMS

What to look for:

• Forgetting things easily
• Confusion about time and place
• Saying things that don’t make sense
• Seeming afraid when there is no danger
• Not recognizing familiar people

Example: Aunty Rose sometimes forgets where she is and talks about things that didn’t happen.

1. DANGEROUS SIGNS THAT NEED IMMEDIATE HELP

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS:

Call for help immediately if you see:

• Person is unconscious (not responding)
• Difficulty breathing or breathing stopped
• Vomiting continuously
• Very high fever
• Violent behavior toward others
• Talking about hurting themselves

What to do:

1. Call for adult help immediately
2. Don’t try to handle it alone
3. Call medical emergency services
4. Stay safe and keep away if person is violent

1. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU NOTICE THESE SIGNS

FOR CHILDREN:

1. Tell a trusted adult immediately (parent, teacher, elder)
2. Don’t try to help alone
3. Stay away if the person is violent
4. Don’t take anything the person offers you
5. Don’t keep it secret

TRUSTED ADULTS TO TELL:

• Parents or guardians
• Teachers or school counselors
• Religious leaders
• Police officers
• Medical workers
• Community elders

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Don’t argue with the person
• Don’t take drugs they offer
• Don’t give them money
• Don’t promise to keep secrets
• Don’t try to help them get drugs
• Don’t laugh at or shame them

1. HELPING SOMEONE WITH DRUG PROBLEMS

HOW FAMILIES CAN HELP:

• Show love and support while being firm about drug use
• Get professional help from doctors or counselors
• Remove drugs and drug materials from the house
• Monitor the person’s activities and friends
• Join support groups for families affected by drug abuse

HOW COMMUNITIES CAN HELP:

• Report drug dealers to authorities
• Create rehabilitation programs
• Provide counseling services
• Support families in crisis
• Educate people about drug dangers

CLASS EXERCISES

1. List 4 physical signs of drug abuse:
2. Fill in the blanks:

• Drug abusers often have _______ or watery eyes
• They may have _______ hands when trying to hold things
• Their speech may become _______
• They may have strange _______ on their body or clothes

3. True or False:

• People with drug problems need help, not shame: _____
• It’s okay to keep drug abuse a secret: _____
• Drug abusers often steal money from family: _____
• Children should try to help drug abusers alone: _____
• Mood changes can be a sign of drug abuse: _____

4. Choose the correct answer: What should you do if you see signs of drug abuse? a) Keep it secret b) Tell a trusted adult c) Ignore it

Which is a behavioral sign of drug abuse? a) Helping at home b) Good grades c) Stealing money

What should you NOT do when you see someone abusing drugs? a) Tell an adult b) Argue with them c) Stay safe

5. Match the sign to its category:

• Red eyes → Physical sign
• Stealing money → _______
• Mood changes → _______
• Strange smells → _______

6. Circle the emergency signs that need immediate help: Unconscious person, Good appetite, Difficulty breathing, Happy mood, Violent behavior, Playing games, Vomiting continuously
7. List 3 trusted adults to tell about drug abuse:
8. Complete these safety rules:

• Tell a _______ adult immediately
• Don’t try to _______ alone
• Stay _______ if the person is violent
• Don’t _______ anything the person offers you

9. Answer these questions:

• Why is it important to know signs of drug abuse? _______
• What should you do if someone offers you drugs? _______
• Who should children tell when they see drug abuse? _______
• What should you do if you see someone unconscious from drugs? _______

10. Identify the signs: What type of sign is each of these?

• Always asking for money: _______
• Red and watery eyes: _______
• Getting angry easily: _______
• Smelling like chemicals: _______