Family Health (II) – JSS1 Basic Science Lesson Note (First Term)

A drug is a chemical substance which affects the action of the body. Drugs save life, relieve pain and help to fight diseases, but using them without a doctor’s advice is called drug abuse. Drug abuse can lead to bad behaviour and permanent damage to body organs.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define a drug and state its importance.
2. Define drug abuse, drug misuse and drug addiction.
3. State the causes of drug abuse.
4. State the side effects of drug abuse.
5. Name some commonly abused drugs.

What is a drug and why is it important?

A drug is a chemical substance which affects the action of the body.

Importance of drugs

1. It saves life.
2. It relieves pain.
3. It relieves suffering.
4. It helps to fight against diseases.
5. It promotes good health.

What are drug abuse, drug misuse and drug addiction?

Drug abuse

Drug abuse is the act of using drugs without the doctor’s advice and prescription.

Drug misuse

Drug misuse is the use of drugs for a purpose for which they were not intended, or the use of a drug excessively.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is a state in which a person physically or psychologically depends on a drug or drugs for survival.

What are the causes of drug abuse?

1. Curiosity
2. Lack of self-confidence
3. Peer group pressure
4. Excitement
5. Frustration and stress

What are the side effects of drug abuse?

1. It leads to bad behaviour such as crime, violence and murder.
2. It can change the working of some of the body’s organs permanently.
3. It can damage the sense of reasoning.
4. It gradually damages the liver and other delicate organs in the body.

What are some commonly abused drugs?

1. Alcohol
2. Tobacco/cigarettes
3. Cocaine
4. Marijuana

Evaluation

1. What is a drug?
2. State two uses of drugs.
3. Define drug abuse and state its effects.

Assignment

1. State four causes of drug abuse.
2. Write down two side effects of drug abuse.