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

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

1. Describe drug and drug abuse
2. Mention examples of drugs often abused
3. Discuss consequences of drug abuse

Meaning of drug

Drug: Any substance (other than food) that when taken into the body, changes how the body or mind works.

Types of Drugs:

1. MEDICINAL DRUGS:

• Prescribed by doctors
• Treat diseases
• Cure illnesses
• Relieve pain
• Examples: Antibiotics, pain relievers, antimalarials

2. RECREATIONAL/ILLICIT DRUGS:

• Taken for pleasure, not medicine
• Often illegal
• Harmful
• Addictive
• Examples: Marijuana, cocaine, heroin

MEANING OF DRUG ABUSE

Drug Abuse: Using drugs in wrong ways, wrong amounts, or for wrong reasons; taking illegal drugs; misusing prescription drugs.

Forms of Drug Abuse:

1. Taking Wrong Dose:

• More than prescribed
• Less than needed
• Wrong timing

2. Using Someone Else’s Medicine
3. Taking Drugs Without Prescription
4. Using Illegal Drugs
5. Mixing Drugs:

• Alcohol with pills
• Multiple drugs together
• Dangerous combinations

6. Taking Drugs for Wrong Reasons:

• To get “high”
• Peer pressure
• Escape problems
• Performance enhancement

EXAMPLES OF DRUGS OFTEN ABUSED

1. ALCOHOL:

Forms:

• Beer
• Wine
• Spirits (gin, vodka, whiskey)
• Local brews (ogogoro, burukutu)

Effects:

• Intoxication (drunkenness)
• Poor judgment
• Aggression
• Addiction (alcoholism)
• Liver damage
• Accidents

Why Abused:

• Social acceptance
• Peer pressure
• Stress relief
• Celebration
• Addiction

2. TOBACCO (CIGARETTES):

Forms:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Pipe tobacco
• Snuff
• Shisha

Effects:

• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Breathing problems
• Addiction (nicotine)
• Bad breath
• Yellow teeth
• Premature death

3. MARIJUANA (INDIAN HEMP, CANNABIS, IGBO, WEED):

Appearance:

• Dried leaves and flowers
• Green/brown
• Smoked or eaten

Effects:

• Distorted perception
• Memory problems
• Reduced concentration
• Mental illness
• Addiction
• Gateway to harder drugs
• Illegal in Nigeria

4. COCAINE (COKE, CRACK):

Appearance:

• White powder
• Snorted, injected, or smoked

Effects:

• Highly addictive
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Paranoia
• Death
• Very illegal

5. HEROIN:

Appearance:

• Brown or white powder
• Injected, snorted, or smoked

Effects:

• Extremely addictive
• Overdose and death common
• Collapsed veins
• HIV (sharing needles)
• Liver disease
• Very dangerous

6. CODEINE:

Description:

• Cough syrup ingredient
• Prescription pain reliever
• Increasingly abused in Nigeria

Effects:

• Addiction
• Liver damage
• Breathing problems
• Death from overdose
• Mental health issues

7. TRAMADOL:

Description:

• Pain medication
• Prescription drug
• Widely abused in Nigeria

Effects:

• Addiction
• Seizures
• Breathing problems
• Death
• Mental impairment

8. METHAMPHETAMINE (METH, MKPURU MMIRI):

Description:

• Stimulant drug
• White powder or crystals
• Very addictive

Effects:

• Severe addiction
• Tooth decay
• Skin sores
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Death

9. ROHYPNOL (ROOFIES – DATE RAPE DRUG):

Description:

• Sedative
• Used to drug victims

Effects:

• Memory loss
• Unconsciousness
• Vulnerability to assault

10. PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS:

Types:

• Steroids
• Energy drinks (excessive)
• Stimulants

Users:

• Athletes
• Students (exam drugs)
• Workers

Effects:

• Heart problems
• Aggression
• Dependence

CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES:

1. Addiction:

• Cannot stop using
• Body depends on drug
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Life controlled by drugs

2. Physical Health:

• Organ damage (liver, kidney, heart, brain)
• Weakened immune system
• Infections (HIV, hepatitis from needles)
• Overdose and death
• Malnutrition
• Premature aging

3. Mental Health:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Psychosis (losing touch with reality)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Memory loss
• Poor concentration

4. Reproductive Problems:

• Impotence
• Infertility
• Birth defects in babies

SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES:

5. Family Breakdown:

• Neglect of spouse and children
• Domestic violence
• Divorce
• Children suffering
• Family shame

6. Relationship Problems:

• Lost friendships
• Distrust
• Isolation
• Loneliness

7. Loss of Reputation:

• Community stigma
• Shame
• Loss of respect

EDUCATIONAL CONSEQUENCES:

8. Poor Performance:

• Cannot concentrate
• Failing exams
• School dropout
• Expelled
• Lost opportunities

9. Future Ruined:

• No qualifications
• Limited career options
• Unfulfilled potential

ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES:

10. Financial Ruin:

• Spending all money on drugs
• Cannot hold job
• Debt
• Poverty
• Stealing to buy drugs

11. Unemployment:

• Fired from work
• Unreliable
• Poor performance
• Cannot find employment

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES:

12. Criminal Record:

• Arrest and prosecution
• Imprisonment
• Fines
• Criminal record affects future

13. Illegal Activities:

• Theft to buy drugs
• Drug dealing
• Violence
• Prostitution

COMMUNITY CONSEQUENCES:

14. Insecurity:

• Drug-related crime
• Violence
• Theft
• Fear

15. Social Problems:

• Youth wasted
• Productivity lost
• Healthcare burden
• Economic drain

NATIONAL CONSEQUENCES:

16. Development Hindered:

• Lost human capital
• Healthcare costs
• Security expenses
• Economic loss

17. International Image:

• Nigeria seen as drug hub
• Affects tourism
• Investment deterred

WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE:

Physical:

• Red eyes
• Weight loss or gain
• Poor hygiene
• Unusual smells
• Track marks (injection sites)
• Nosebleeds (snorting)

Behavioral:

• Secretive
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Stealing
• Lying
• New friends
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Sleeping too much or too little

Performance:

• Declining grades
• Missing school/work
• Loss of interest in activities
• Poor concentration

WHY PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS:

1. Peer Pressure: Friends using drugs
2. Curiosity: Want to try
3. Escape: Running from problems
4. Low Self-Esteem: Feel inadequate
5. Family Problems: Broken homes, abuse
6. Mental Health: Depression, anxiety
7. Availability: Easy access
8. Poverty: Hopelessness
9. Ignorance: Don’t know dangers
10. Media Influence: Glorification in music/movies

PREVENTION:

1. Education:

• Know the dangers
• Say no to drugs
• Awareness programs

2. Strong Family:

• Good parenting
• Communication
• Love and support
• Supervision

3. Positive Activities:

• Sports
• Hobbies
• Youth programs
• Keep busy

4. Good Friends:

• Avoid bad company
• Peer support
• Positive influence

5. Self-Esteem:

• Confidence
• Self-worth
• Resilience

6. Goals:

• Have ambitions
• Focus on future
• Purpose in life

7. Avoid Situations:

• Stay away from drug users
• Don’t go to drug spots
• Refuse offers

EVALUATION

1. What is a drug?
2. Define drug abuse
3. Name five commonly abused drugss
4. List five consequences of drug abuse
5. Why do young people abuse drugs?

HOMEWORK

1. Define drug and drug abuse
2. List and explain eight commonly abused drugs
3. Discuss ten consequences of drug abuse on individuals and society
4. Why do people abuse drugs? Give six reasons
5. How can drug abuse be prevented among youth?