Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define and differentiate between substance use and abuse.
• Identify risks and consequences of substance use.
• Describe strategies for resisting peer pressure.
• Identify trusted adults and resources for help.
• Explain the dangers of second-hand smoke and alcohol use during pregnancy.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be focusing on Responsible Decision-Making Regarding Substance Use and Abuse. This is a crucial topic for Grade 6 learners in South Africa because, unfortunately, exposure to substances like alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs can start at a young age. Understanding the risks, pressures, and consequences associated with substance use will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make informed and responsible choices, protecting your health and future well-being. Learning to say "no" and seeking help are important life skills we will explore. In our communities, problems caused by drug and alcohol use are devastating families and increasing crime.

Lesson notes

2. 1. Understanding Substance Use and Abuse Substance Use: This refers to the consumption of any substance, whether legal or illegal. This can include things like drinking tea, taking prescribed medicine, or using tobacco. Not all substance use is harmful, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved.

Substance Abuse: This occurs when the use of a substance becomes harmful to your health, well-being, or relationships. It involves using a substance in a way that is not intended, or using it in excessive amounts. This can lead to addiction and various health problems.

Example: Use: Your grandmother drinks Rooibos tea every morning. Rooibos is a legal substance, and she's drinking it in moderation. This is an example of substance use.

Abuse: A person starts drinking alcohol every day to cope with stress, even though they know it's affecting their work and family. This is substance abuse because they are using the substance in a way that is harmful. 2.

2. Risks and Consequences of Substance Use and Abuse Physical Health Risks: Substance abuse can damage your body in many ways. For example, alcohol can damage your liver, tobacco can cause lung cancer, and drugs can damage your brain. These problems affect how long and well you live.

Social Consequences: Substance abuse can damage your relationships with friends and family. People who abuse substances may become isolated, aggressive, or untrustworthy.

Emotional Consequences: Substance abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Substances can affect your mood and make it difficult to cope with stress.

Legal Consequences: Using illegal drugs is against the law and can lead to arrest, fines, and even imprisonment. In South Africa, there are very strict laws about alcohol and drugs.

Economic Consequences: Spending money on substances can leave you with less money for important things like food, clothing, and school supplies.

Example Scenarios: A learner smokes cigarettes with friends to fit in. This puts them at risk for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. It also leads to them having less money for school outings. This is a health, social and economic consequence. Someone drinks a lot of alcohol before driving and causes an accident. This has legal consequences (arrest) as well as the potential for serious injury or even death to themselves and others. 2.

3. Resisting Peer Pressure Peer pressure is when your friends or other people your age try to influence you to do something you don't want to do. It's important to learn how to resist peer pressure and make your own decisions.

Strategies for Resisting Peer Pressure: Say "No" Confidently: Be firm and clear. Don't apologize or make excuses. Just say "No, thank you." Suggest an Alternative: If your friends are pressuring you to do something you don't want to do, suggest something else instead. For example, "Let's go play soccer instead." Walk Away: If the pressure is too strong, simply walk away from the situation.

Find Supportive Friends: Surround yourself with friends who make healthy choices and support you in doing the same.

Have an Excuse Ready: Prepare a simple excuse beforehand that you can use if you are pressured. For instance, "My parents are expecting me home."

Example: Your friends pressure you to try smoking a cigarette. You can say, "No thanks, I don't smoke. I want to stay healthy. Let's play soccer instead." 2.

4. Seeking Help and Support It's important to know that you are not alone and that there are people who care about you and want to help.

Trusted Adults: Talk to a parent, teacher, school counselor, religious leader, or other trusted adult if you are worried about substance use.

Support Organizations: There are many organizations in South Africa that can provide help and support for people who are struggling with substance abuse, or who are affected by it. Examples include SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) and various community-based support groups. 2.

5. Dangers of Second-Hand Smoke and Alcohol Usage by Pregnant Women Second-Hand Smoke: Breathing in smoke from someone else's cigarette, pipe, or cigar is called second-hand smoke. It's dangerous, especially for children, because it can cause asthma, ear infections, and other health problems. It can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Alcohol Usage by Pregnant Women: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can seriously harm the baby. It can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which can cause physical and mental disabilities. There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: What is the difference between substance use and substance abuse? Give an example of each.

Solution: Substance Use: Using a substance, legal or illegal, but not necessarily in a harmful way.

Example: Drinking a cup of coffee in the morning.