Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define substance abuse and name common substances.
• Explain the negative effects on your health.
• Learn skills to say 'no' to peer pressure.
• Know who to ask for help.

Lesson summary

Substance abuse is a serious issue in South Africa, affecting individuals, families, and communities. It can lead to health problems, relationship issues, crime, and poverty. This lesson aims to equip Grade 6 learners with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about substance use and to develop strategies to resist peer pressure and protect themselves from harm. Understanding the risks associated with substance abuse and learning how to access help are crucial steps in creating a healthy and safe future for themselves and their communities. This is especially relevant given the accessibility of substances, even to young people, in many South African communities.

Lesson notes

What is Substance Abuse? Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substances are chemicals that affect the brain, altering a person's mood, perception, or behaviour. It also includes misuse of legal substances like prescription medications. The key factor is that the substance use negatively impacts a person's health, relationships, work, or school life.

Commonly Abused Substances: Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, brain damage, addiction, and impaired judgment. In South Africa, alcohol abuse is a major contributor to road accidents and violence.

Example:* Sipho sees his older cousins drinking beer at family gatherings. He might think it's cool, but it's important to understand that alcohol is not good for young people and can harm their developing brains.

Cigarettes: Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Vaping is also harmful and can lead to nicotine addiction and lung damage.

Example:* Lerato sees advertisements for cigarettes that make them seem glamorous. She needs to know that these advertisements are misleading and that smoking is very dangerous for her health.

Drugs: This includes a wide range of illegal substances, such as marijuana (dagga), cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine (tik). These drugs can have severe effects on the brain and body, leading to addiction, mental health problems, and even death.

Example:* Bongani hears stories about older kids at school using "tik." He needs to understand that "tik" is a very dangerous drug that can destroy his life. It's also illegal.

Inhalants: Inhalants are household products like glue, paint thinner, and aerosol sprays that are sniffed or inhaled to get high. These substances can cause brain damage, heart problems, and sudden death.

Example:* Thandi sees kids sniffing glue in the park. She needs to know that sniffing glue is extremely dangerous and can kill her.

Negative Consequences of Substance Abuse: Physical Health: Substance abuse can damage vital organs, such as the liver, heart, and brain. It can also weaken the immune system, making it easier to get sick.

Example:* Drinking too much alcohol can cause liver damage, like cirrhosis. Smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer.

Mental Health: Substance abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. It can also worsen existing mental health conditions.

Example:* Using drugs can make someone feel very anxious or paranoid. It can also make it difficult to concentrate in school.

Relationships: Substance abuse can damage relationships with family and friends. People who abuse substances may become withdrawn, irritable, and unreliable.

Example:* Someone who is addicted to drugs might steal money from their family to buy drugs, causing conflict and resentment.

School Performance: Substance abuse can interfere with learning and academic performance. Students who abuse substances may have difficulty concentrating, remembering information, and completing assignments.

Example:* Someone who is high on drugs or drunk will not be able to focus in class and will likely fail their exams.

Legal Problems: Many substances are illegal, and using or possessing them can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Example:* Selling drugs is a serious crime that can result in a long prison sentence.

Refusal Skills: It's important to learn how to say "no" to substances when offered by peers.

Here are some strategies: Say "No" clearly and firmly: "No, thank you. I don't do that." Give a reason: "No, thank you. I have to study for a test." or "No, thank you. I'm not interested in drugs." Suggest an alternative: "No, thank you. Let's go play soccer instead." Change the subject: "No, thank you. Did you see the soccer match yesterday?" Leave the situation: If you feel uncomfortable, walk away.

Trusted Adults and Resources: It's important to talk to a trusted adult if you are struggling with substance abuse or if you know someone who is. Trusted adults can include parents, teachers, school counsellors, religious leaders, or other responsible adults.

Resources include: School Counsellor: Can provide guidance and support.

Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555 (a free helpline for children in distress) South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA): Provides treatment and support for people with substance abuse problems. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: What is substance abuse, and give two examples of commonly abused substances in South Africa?

Solution: Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Two examples of commonly abused substances in South Africa are alcohol and "tik" (methamphetamine).