Drug Use, Misuse, and Abuse – JSS3 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

A drug is any biologically active substance that is foreign to the body and is deliberately introduced to affect its functioning. Drug use means taking drugs so that the desired effects are reached with minimal or no health hazards. Drug misuse and abuse are improper ways of taking drugs, such as taking drugs without a doctor’s advice.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define drug, drug use, drug misuse and drug abuse;
• list the types of drugs;
• explain self-medication, drug addiction, withdrawal and tolerance;
• state reasons why people abuse drugs.

What are drug use, drug misuse and drug abuse?

Drug use

Drug use is the process of taking drugs in a way that the desired effects are attained with minimal or no health hazards.

Drug misuse

Drug misuse is using a prescribed drug for a purpose other than the one for which it was prescribed. It is also taking drugs without a doctor’s advice.

Drug abuse

Drug abuse is the improper use of drugs outside accepted medical practice.

What are the types of drugs?

1. Stimulants
2. Depressants
3. Cannabis
4. Inhalants
5. Hallucinogens
6. Prescription drugs

What are self-medication, drug addiction, withdrawal and tolerance?

Self-medication

Self-medication is the purchase and consumption of medicines or drugs without the prescription of a qualified medical doctor.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is a situation where the user becomes physically dependent on a drug to the extent that he suffers physical discomfort if he is deprived of the drug.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal is a temporary physical illness that occurs when someone who is physically dependent on a drug no longer receives it.

Tolerance

Tolerance is a situation where the body of a drug user becomes used to the regular use of a drug and requires an ever-increasing dose to achieve the same response that smaller doses produced before.

Why do people abuse drugs?

1. Availability of the drug in the society
2. Pressure from friends and peers
3. Broken homes (for example, separation or divorce of parents)
4. Self-medication

Evaluation

1. What are the differences between drug use, misuse and abuse?
2. Mention four types of drugs.
3. What is self-medication?
4. State two reasons why people abuse drugs.

Assignment

1. ……………………… refers to any biologically active substance that is foreign to the body and is deliberately introduced to affect its functioning.
2. Highlight two dangers of self-medication.
3. …………………… are drugs that help to relieve anxiety.
4. ……………… are drugs used to relieve mild fatigue and keep the users awake.
5. ……………… is a situation where the body of a drug user becomes used to the regular use of a drug and requires an ever-increasing dose to achieve the same response that smaller doses elicit.