Drug Education Basic 4 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note

Class: Primary 4
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Health Education

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand what drugs are
• Know the consequences of drug misuse
• Identify ways drugs can be taken
• Recognize alcohol and tobacco as harmful substances

What are Drugs?

Drugs are substances that can change how our body works. Some drugs are medicines that help sick people get better, but some drugs are harmful and dangerous.

Drug Uses and Their Consequences

Good Use of Drugs (Medicines)

When used properly:

• Help cure diseases
• Reduce pain and fever
• Help people feel better
• Must be given by doctors or parents

Bad Use of Drugs (Drug Abuse)

When used wrongly:

• Can damage the brain
• Can hurt the heart and lungs
• Can make people very sick
• Can cause death
• Can make people do bad things

Ways of Taking Drugs

1. Through the Mouth

• Swallowing pills or tablets
• Drinking liquid medicine
• Safe when: Given by doctor or parent
• Dangerous when: Taking unknown drugs

2. Rubbing on Skin

• Applying creams or ointments
• Using medicated patches
• Safe when: Using proper medicine for skin problems
• Dangerous when: Using unknown substances

3. Injection

• Using needles to put medicine in body
• Only doctors and nurses should do this
• Very dangerous when done by untrained people
• Can cause serious infections

4. Inhaling (Breathing In)

• Breathing in medicine through nose or mouth
• Used for asthma treatment
• Very dangerous when sniffing harmful substances
• Can damage lungs and brain

Alcohol and Tobacco

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a liquid that can make people drunk and harm their body. It is found in some drinks that adults sometimes consume.

How alcohol harms the body:

• Damages the liver
• Affects the brain
• Makes people do dangerous things
• Can cause accidents
• Makes people sick

Types of Alcoholic Drinks

• Beer – contains alcohol, looks like soft drink but harmful
• Wine – made from grapes, contains alcohol
• Spirits – very strong alcoholic drinks
• Local drinks – palm wine, burukutu (harmful to children)

What is Tobacco?

Tobacco is a plant that people smoke in cigarettes. It is very harmful to health.

How tobacco harms the body:

• Damages lungs
• Causes cancer
• Makes breathing difficult
• Stains teeth yellow
• Causes bad breath

Important Safety Rules

• Never take any drug without adult permission
• Only take medicine given by parents, doctors, or teachers
• Stay away from alcohol and tobacco
• Tell an adult if someone offers you drugs
• Don’t accept drinks or substances from strangers

What to Do if Someone Offers You Drugs

1. Say “NO” firmly
2. Walk away quickly
3. Tell a trusted adult immediately
4. Don’t be afraid to report

Simple Activity

Practice saying “NO” loudly and clearly when offered something you shouldn’t take.

Evaluation

1. Name two ways drugs can be taken
2. Why should children not drink alcohol?
3. What should you do if someone offers you drugs?
4. Who should give you medicine when you’re sick?