Consequences of Drug Abuse – JSS2 Social Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Drug abuse harms the family and the wider community. People under the influence of drugs cause many road accidents, and addicts often neglect family duties, especially financial ones, because they spend their money on drugs. It can be reduced through the school curriculum, family awareness, public enlightenment programmes and school talks.

Behavioural objectives

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

• state two effects of drug abuse on the family and society;
• explain how drug abuse leads to road accidents;
• describe how drug abuse affects family responsibilities;
• list ways of preventing drug abuse.

What are the effects of drug abuse on the family and society?

1. Road accidents: Many road accidents occur when individuals are drunk or under the influence of drugs.
2. Failure in family responsibility: Drug addicts most times fail to carry out their responsibilities in the family, especially financial responsibilities, because they divert all their money into buying drugs and so neglect their responsibilities at home.

How can drug abuse be prevented?

1. The school curriculum: The inclusion of the topic in the primary and post-primary curriculum is a good decision on the part of the government. It sensitises school children to what drug abuse is and its effects on their future.
2. Family awareness: Through the mass media, parents have more information about drug abuse and its effects. Parents will in turn educate their children and advise them against it.
3. Public enlightenment programmes on drug abuse: The government should intensify efforts to educate parents and youths about the effects of drug abuse. Children in public and private schools should be visited, while adults (parents) are reached through handbills, posters, billboards and electronic media programmes.
4. Schools: School authorities should from time to time educate their students on the subject of drug abuse. Special talks should be organised where experts are invited to educate the students.

Evaluation

1. State two effects of drug abuse on the family and society.
2. Why do drug addicts often fail in their financial responsibilities at home?
3. How can the school curriculum help to prevent drug abuse?
4. Name three ways of reaching parents during public enlightenment programmes.

Assignment

Explain two ways in which schools can help to prevent drug abuse among students.