Concepts of Drug and Drug Abuse – Basic 6 Social Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

A drug is any substance that changes how the body or mind works when taken. Drug abuse is the use of drugs in a harmful way or for wrong purposes.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define drug and drug abuse.
2. Name common drugs that people abuse.
3. State the causes of drug abuse.
4. Explain the health, social and economic effects of drug abuse.
5. Suggest ways of preventing drug abuse.

What is a drug?

A drug is any substance that changes how the body or mind works when taken.

• Medicine: a drug that treats or prevents illness, such as paracetamol for fever.
• Non-medicine drug: a drug taken for its effect on the mind, such as alcohol or cannabis.
• Safe use: a medicine is safe when a doctor or pharmacist prescribes it and the dose is followed.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of drugs in a harmful way or for wrong purposes.

• Taking too much: using more than the dose a doctor gave.
• Taking without a prescription: using a strong medicine for no medical reason.
• Using for pleasure: taking drugs only to feel “high” or to forget problems.
• Using banned drugs: taking drugs the law forbids, such as cocaine and heroin.

What are examples of drugs that are often abused?

Nine drugs and substances are often abused: alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, codeine, tramadol, Rohypnol and inhalants.

• Note on medicines: codeine and tramadol are useful medicines. They become abuse only when misused.

What are the causes of drug abuse?

Drug abuse has several causes, mostly linked to pressure, ignorance and easy access to drugs.

• Peer pressure: friends push a young person to try drugs.
• Curiosity: some young people want to know how drugs feel.
• Stress and sadness: some people use drugs to forget their problems.
• Lack of knowledge: some people do not know how harmful drugs are.
• Bad home influence: children copy adults who abuse drugs.
• Easy supply: drugs sold without control are easy to buy.

What are the signs of drug abuse?

Signs of drug abuse are changes in a person’s body, behaviour and habits.

• Poor school work: marks fall and the pupil misses classes.
• Change in behaviour: the person becomes angry, secretive or violent.
• Red eyes and weight loss: the person looks unwell and untidy.
• Missing money: the person borrows or steals to buy drugs.
• New friends: the person leaves old friends for a group that uses drugs.

What are the consequences of drug abuse?

The consequences of drug abuse fall into three groups: health, social and economic effects.

Health effects

1. Organ damage: the liver, lungs and brain are harmed.
2. Mental health problems: the person may feel confused, fearful or see things that are not there.
3. Addiction: the person cannot stop using the drug.
4. Death from overdose: too much of a drug can kill.
5. Diseases: sharing needles can spread HIV/AIDS.

Social effects

1. Poor school performance: the pupil cannot concentrate or fails exams.
2. Loss of friends and family: people avoid the drug abuser.
3. Criminal behaviour: some abusers steal or break the law to get drugs.
4. Violence and fighting: drugs can make a person aggressive.
5. Poverty: the abuser and the family become poor.

Economic effects

1. Wasted money: money meant for food and school fees is spent on drugs.
2. Loss of job: an abuser cannot work well and may be sacked.
3. Cost of treatment: hospital care and rehabilitation are expensive.
4. Inability to support family: children and spouse suffer.

How can drug abuse be prevented?

Drug abuse is prevented by education, good guidance, strict laws and safe use of medicine.

• Drug education: schools, churches, mosques and the media teach the dangers of drugs.
• Parental care: parents guide children, set a good example and know their friends.
• Saying “no”: pupils learn to refuse drugs firmly, even when friends insist.
• Law enforcement: the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrests people who sell or traffic illegal drugs.
• Safe use of medicine: use only drugs prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist, and follow the dose.
• Healthy activities: sports, clubs and hobbies keep young people busy.
• Counselling and treatment: abusers get help from counsellors, hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

Evaluation

1. A drug is:
   1. A) Only medicine
   2. B) Any substance that changes body or mind function
   3. C) Only illegal substances
   4. D) Food
2. Drug abuse means:
   1. A) Using drugs properly
   2. B) Taking medicine as prescribed
   3. C) Using drugs harmfully
   4. D) Avoiding drugs
3. An example of an abused drug is:
   1. A) Paracetamol (used properly)
   2. B) Cannabis
   3. C) Water
   4. D) Vitamins
4. Drug abuse can cause:
   1. A) Good health
   2. B) Brain damage
   3. C) Happiness
   4. D) Success
5. A social consequence of drug abuse is:
   1. A) Good grades
   2. B) Strong family
   3. C) Criminal behaviour
   4. D) More friends

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-B, 5-C

Assignment

List five drugs that are commonly abused in Nigeria. For each one, write one harmful effect.