Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify common substances and their effects.
• Explain the long-term health risks.
• Describe the impact on families and communities.
• Know where to find help and support.
• Learn how to resist peer pressure.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on substance abuse, a critical issue affecting individuals and communities throughout South Africa. Understanding the dangers of substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, empowers learners to make informed choices and protect themselves and their communities. Substance abuse can lead to numerous health problems, social issues like crime and violence, and economic hardships for families. By learning about the risks and consequences, learners can develop resilience and make positive choices that contribute to a healthier and safer society. This topic aligns with the CAPS curriculum's focus on personal well-being and responsible citizenship.

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 and can change mood, perception, or behavior. It can also include the misuse of prescription drugs. Commonly Abused Substances in South Africa: Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down brain function. Short-term effects include impaired judgment, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and decreased inhibitions. Long-term effects can include liver damage (cirrhosis), heart problems, brain damage, and addiction (alcoholism). In South Africa, alcohol abuse contributes significantly to road accidents, domestic violence, and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Example: Sipho, a Grade 6 learner, knows his older brother drinks a lot of beer. He observes that his brother often becomes aggressive and argues with their parents after drinking. Sipho understands that alcohol can change a person's behavior negatively.

Tobacco (Cigarettes): Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Short-term effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term effects include lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema (a lung disease), and other respiratory problems. Second-hand smoke is also harmful to those around the smoker.

Example: Aisha's grandmother smokes cigarettes every day. Aisha knows that her grandmother coughs a lot and struggles to breathe. Aisha understands that smoking is bad for her grandmother's health. Drugs (e.g., Cannabis/Dagga, Tik/Methamphetamine, Mandrax): These drugs have varying effects depending on the substance.

Cannabis (Dagga): Can cause altered perception, impaired memory, anxiety, and paranoia. Long-term effects can include respiratory problems and mental health issues.

Tik/Methamphetamine: A highly addictive stimulant. Short-term effects include increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. Long-term effects include severe mental health problems, heart problems, and damage to the brain.

Mandrax: A depressant often mixed with other substances. Effects include drowsiness, relaxation, and altered perception. It is highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems and death.

Example: Thabo heard about a boy at a different school who started using "tik" to feel more energetic and confident. Thabo understands that "tik" is a dangerous drug and that it can damage a person's brain and body.

Impact on the Individual: Health Problems: Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, lung cancer, mental health disorders, and infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS from sharing needles).

Addiction: Substance abuse can lead to addiction, a chronic disease that affects the brain and behavior. Addicts experience intense cravings and struggle to control their substance use, even when it causes harm.

Mental Health: Substance abuse can worsen existing mental health problems or trigger new ones, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Impact on Families and Communities: Family Breakdown: Substance abuse can lead to family conflict, separation, and divorce. Children of substance abusers are more likely to experience neglect, abuse, and emotional problems.

Crime and Violence: Substance abuse is often linked to crime and violence, including theft, assault, and domestic violence.

Poverty: Substance abuse can lead to job loss, financial difficulties, and homelessness.

Burden on Healthcare System: Substance abuse places a significant burden on the healthcare system, as it requires treatment for addiction and related health problems.

Resisting Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is a significant factor in substance abuse, especially among young people. Learning to resist peer pressure is crucial for making healthy choices.

Strategies include: Saying "No" assertively: Be clear and confident in your refusal. Avoiding situations where substances are used: Stay away from places and people who encourage substance use.

Finding supportive friends: Surround yourself with friends who make healthy choices.

Having an excuse: Have a ready-made excuse to avoid using substances (e.g., "I have a sports game tomorrow," "My parents don't allow me to").

Seeking help from a trusted adult: Talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor if you are struggling with peer pressure. Sources of Help and Support in South Africa: South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA): Provides treatment and support for individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

Department of Social Development: Offers various programs and services to address substance abuse.

Childline South Africa: Provides a helpline for children in distress, including those affected by substance abuse.

Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and therapists can provide assessment, treatment, and referrals.