Drug Abuse – Basic 6 Basic Technology Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives

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

• Describe what drug abuse is
• Enumerate drugs that are mostly abused
• Appraise the effects of drug abuse to man and society

Content

What is Drug Abuse? Drug abuse is the use of drugs in wrong ways or for wrong purposes. It includes:

• Taking drugs without doctor’s prescription
• Taking more than the recommended dose
• Taking someone else’s medicine
• Using drugs to get “high” or feel different
• Continuing to use drugs even when they harm you

What is Drug Addiction? Drug addiction is when a person becomes dependent on a drug and cannot stop using it even though it causes harm.

Drugs That Are Mostly Abused (Hard Drugs)

1. Stimulants (Speed up body functions)

• Cocaine – White powder, highly addictive
• Methamphetamine (Meth) – Crystal-like substance
• Caffeine – In excess from energy drinks

2. Depressants (Slow down body functions)

• Alcohol – Beer, wine, spirits
• Sleeping pills – When misused
• Sedatives – Calming drugs

3. Narcotics/Opioids (Pain relievers)

• Heroin – Very dangerous, illegal
• Morphine – When abused
• Codeine – In cough syrups when misused

4. Hallucinogens (Cause hallucinations)

• Cannabis/Marijuana/Indian Hemp – Makes people see things that aren’t real
• LSD – Causes severe hallucinations

5. Inhalants

• Glue – Sniffing causes brain damage
• Petrol fumes
• Paint thinner

6. Other Commonly Abused Substances

• Tobacco/Cigarettes – Causes lung diseases
• Tramadol – Pain reliever often abused
• Rohypnol – Sleeping pill
• Steroids – Muscle-building drugs

Signs of Drug Abuse

• Sudden behavior changes
• Loss of interest in school/activities
• New group of friends
• Red or glassy eyes
• Weight loss or gain
• Poor hygiene
• Stealing money
• Lying frequently
• Poor academic performance

Effects of Drug Abuse on the Individual

Physical Effects:

1. Damage to brain and nervous system
2. Heart problems and high blood pressure
3. Liver and kidney damage
4. Lung diseases (from smoking)
5. Weak immune system (easy to get sick)
6. Weight loss and malnutrition
7. Risk of HIV/AIDS (from shared needles)
8. Premature death

Mental/Emotional Effects:

1. Depression and anxiety
2. Memory loss and poor concentration
3. Hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that aren’t real)
4. Aggressive behavior and violence
5. Poor judgment and decision-making
6. Mental illness
7. Suicide thoughts

Social Effects:

1. Family problems and conflicts
2. Loss of friends and relationships
3. Poor performance in school
4. Loss of job or career
5. Financial problems
6. Involvement in crime
7. Homelessness
8. Social isolation

Effects of Drug Abuse on Society

1. Crime Increase – Drug users may steal to buy drugs
2. Violence – Fights and conflicts related to drugs
3. Accidents – Car crashes from drunk/drugged driving
4. Healthcare Burden – Hospitals treating drug-related problems
5. Loss of Productive Citizens – Young people unable to work
6. Family Breakdown – Marriages and families destroyed
7. Economic Loss – Money spent on treatment and security
8. Corruption – Drug trafficking corrupts officials
9. School Dropout – Students abandoning education
10. Bad Image – Community reputation damaged

How to Prevent Drug Abuse

1. Say NO to drugs firmly
2. Choose good friends
3. Stay busy with positive activities (sports, reading, hobbies)
4. Talk to trusted adults when pressured
5. Learn about dangers of drugs
6. Avoid bad company
7. Build self-confidence
8. Set life goals and work toward them
9. Participate in anti-drug campaigns
10. Report drug dealers to authorities

What to Do If Someone Offers You Drugs

• Say “NO” clearly and firmly
• Walk away immediately
• Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher)
• Avoid that person in future
• Don’t be afraid to lose “friends” who use drugs

Activities

• Role-play: refusing drugs from peers
• Create anti-drug posters
• Watch educational video on drug abuse
• Group discussion on staying drug-free
• Write pledges to remain drug-free