Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify common types of abused substances.
• Describe the negative effects of substance abuse.
• Learn how to resist peer pressure.
• Know where to find help and support.
• Practice making healthy choices.

Lesson summary

Substance abuse is a serious issue affecting communities across South Africa. It involves the harmful use of substances like alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and even misuse of prescribed medications. Understanding the dangers of substance abuse is crucial for young people to make informed choices and protect their health and well-being. This week, we will focus on recognizing different types of substances, understanding their potential harmful effects, and developing strategies to make healthy choices and resist peer pressure related to substance abuse. This knowledge empowers learners to become responsible and healthy citizens.

Lesson notes

What are Substances? Substances are materials that can affect our bodies and minds. Some substances are helpful, like food and medicine when used correctly.

However, some substances, when used in a way they are not intended to be, can be harmful.

Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is the harmful or dangerous use of any substance. This could be using too much, using it too often, or using it for reasons other than what it's meant for. It's important to remember that even legal substances like alcohol and tobacco can be abused.

Types of Abused Substances: Alcohol: Found in beer, wine, and spirits. Alcohol affects the brain and body, leading to impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and health problems with prolonged use. In South Africa, underage drinking is a significant concern, leading to accidents and risky behaviour.

Tobacco: Found in cigarettes, cigars, and snuff. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems. In South Africa, many families are affected by diseases caused by smoking.

Illegal Drugs: These include substances like marijuana (dagga), cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine (tik). These drugs have unpredictable and dangerous effects on the body and mind. They are illegal to possess or use in South Africa. Tik, in particular, is a serious problem in many communities, leading to addiction, violence, and mental health issues.

Misused Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter medicines can be abused if taken in ways not prescribed by a doctor. This includes taking too much, taking someone else’s medicine, or using it for non-medical purposes. Codeine-containing cough syrups, for example, are sometimes misused.

Consequences of Substance Abuse: Physical: Substance abuse can lead to serious health problems like liver damage (from alcohol), lung cancer (from tobacco), heart disease, brain damage, and weakened immune system.

Emotional: Substance abuse can cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. It can also damage relationships with family and friends.

Social: Substance abuse can lead to problems at school, with the law, and with relationships. It can isolate individuals from their support systems.

Financial: Addiction can be extremely expensive, leading to financial problems for individuals and their families.

Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is the influence that people your age have on you. Sometimes, peers can pressure you into doing things you know are wrong, like trying drugs or alcohol.

Resisting Peer Pressure: It's important to learn how to say "no" to peer pressure.

Here are some strategies: Say "No" firmly and clearly: Be direct and confident in your refusal.

Give a reason: Explain why you don't want to participate. For example, "No, I don't want to. I want to stay healthy." Suggest an alternative: Propose a different activity that you are comfortable with. For example, "Let's rather go play soccer." Surround yourself with positive influences: Choose friends who make healthy choices and support you in doing the same.

Walk away: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, remove yourself from the situation.

Trusted Adults and Resources: It is crucial to have trusted adults in your life whom you can turn to for help and support. These could be parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, or other responsible adults. In South Africa, there are also organizations that provide help and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse and their families. (e.g. SANCA – South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence).

Decision-Making: We can make healthy choices by:

1. Identifying the problem;

2. Thinking about possible solutions;

3. Weighing up the pros and cons of each solution;

4. Choosing the best solution;

5. Acting on your decision.

Example: Thando's friends are pressuring her to try smoking a cigarette behind the school toilets. Thando knows smoking is bad for her health.

Problem: Peer pressure to smoke.

Possible solutions:

1. Give in and smoke.

2. Refuse and risk being teased.

3. Refuse and suggest another activity.

Pros and cons: Smoking: Pro - temporarily fits in. Con - bad for health, addictive. Refuse, risk teasing: Pro - healthy choice. Con - being teased. Refuse, suggest alternative: Pro - Healthy choice, potentially avoids teasing. Con - Friends might still insist.

Best solution: Refuse and suggest an alternative.

Action: "No, I don't want to smoke. It's bad for me. Let's rather go practice for the soccer tryouts." Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name three substances that are commonly abused in South Africa.

Solution: Alcohol, tobacco, and tik (methamphetamine).

Commentary: This question tests basic recall of the substances discussed.

Question 2: List two physical health problems that can result from smoking cigarettes.

Solution: Lung cancer and heart disease.