Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define substance abuse and list common substances.
• Explain the short-term and long-term effects of substance abuse.
• Identify and resist peer pressure.
• Know where to seek help for substance abuse.
• Understand the legal consequences of substance abuse.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be exploring the vital topic of healthy living with a specific focus on understanding and preventing substance abuse. Substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, is a significant problem in South Africa, impacting individuals, families, and communities. Early education is crucial to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers associated with substance abuse. This knowledge is not just abstract; it can directly protect you, your friends, and your family from harm.

Lesson notes

What is Substance Abuse? Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. It involves using these substances in a way that is dangerous or causes problems in your life. These problems can affect your health, relationships, schoolwork, or even lead to legal trouble. Commonly Abused Substances in South Africa: Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. In South Africa, alcohol abuse is a widespread problem, contributing to social and health issues.

Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Nicotine in tobacco is highly addictive.

Cannabis (Dagga): A psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Its use is illegal in South Africa except for medicinal purposes with proper authorization.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs: Some people abuse over-the-counter medicines (like cough syrup) or prescription drugs (like painkillers) by taking them in ways not directed by a doctor.

Inhalants: Substances that are inhaled for their intoxicating effects, such as glue, paint thinner, and aerosols. These are particularly dangerous because they can cause sudden death.

Short-Term Effects of Substance Abuse: Alcohol: Impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, slurred speech, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, hangovers.

Example: Imagine you are at a braai (barbecue) and a friend offers you a beer. If you drink it, your judgment will be impaired, making it harder to make sensible decisions, like deciding not to swim in the pool.

Tobacco: Bad breath, coughing, shortness of breath, increased heart rate.

Example: Imagine you are running a race at school, and you smoke before running. Your lungs will struggle, and you will have difficulty breathing, making it hard to compete.

Cannabis: Altered perception, impaired memory, anxiety, paranoia.

Example: Imagine you are studying for a test, and you use cannabis beforehand. It will be harder to concentrate and remember what you studied.

Inhalants: Dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, possible brain damage.

Example: Imagine you are sniffing glue. You could lose consciousness and fall, severely injuring yourself.

Long-Term Effects of Substance Abuse: Alcohol: Liver damage (cirrhosis), heart disease, brain damage, certain types of cancer, addiction (alcoholism).

Example: Someone who drinks heavily for many years may develop cirrhosis, a serious liver disease that can be fatal.

Tobacco: Lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, other types of cancer, addiction (nicotine addiction).

Example: Someone who smokes cigarettes for many years is at a high risk of developing lung cancer.

Cannabis: Respiratory problems, impaired cognitive function, mental health problems (such as anxiety and depression), addiction.

Example: Someone who smokes cannabis regularly may develop chronic bronchitis.

Inhalants: Brain damage, liver damage, kidney damage, nerve damage, permanent disability, death.

Example: Someone who regularly inhales glue can suffer permanent brain damage.

Peer Pressure and Resistance: Peer pressure is the influence from people in your age group to behave in a certain way. Peer pressure can be positive (encouraging you to do well in school) or negative (encouraging you to try substances).

Strategies for Resisting Peer Pressure: Say no confidently: Practice saying "No, thank you" firmly and clearly.

Give a reason: Explain why you don't want to participate. For example, "No, thank you. I don't want to harm my health." Suggest an alternative activity: Propose something else to do that is fun and healthy. For example, "No, thanks. Let's play soccer instead." Hang out with friends who make healthy choices: Choose friends who respect your decisions and don't pressure you.

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

Seeking Help and Support: It's important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse.

Trusted Adults: Talk to a parent, guardian, teacher, school counsellor, religious leader, or other trusted adult.

Support Organizations: SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence): Provides treatment and support for individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

Lifeline South Africa: Offers counselling and support for individuals in crisis.

Childline South Africa: Provides support and counselling for children and young people.

Legal Consequences: In South Africa, there are legal consequences for using, possessing, or selling illegal drugs. Depending on the substance and the quantity, these consequences can range from fines to imprisonment. It's important to know the law and the potential consequences of breaking it. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thando's friends are pressuring her to try smoking cigarettes with them. What are three strategies Thando can use to resist this peer pressure?