Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define substance use and abuse.
• Identify common substances and their effects.
• Analyze the consequences of substance abuse.
• Develop strategies to resist peer pressure.
• Identify resources for help in South Africa.

Lesson summary

This week's Life Skills topic focuses on making informed decisions about substance use and abuse. In South Africa, substance abuse is a significant problem affecting communities across the country. Understanding the risks associated with drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances is crucial for your health, safety, and future success. Many young people face pressure to experiment with these substances, so it's essential to develop the skills to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices. This lesson will empower you to identify the dangers of substance abuse, understand the consequences, and know where to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Lesson notes

What is Substance Use and Abuse?

Substance Use: Refers to the consumption of a substance (like alcohol, tobacco, or medicine) as intended or directed. For example, taking cough syrup to relieve a cough is substance use.

Substance Abuse: Refers to using a substance in a way that is harmful or not intended. This includes using illegal drugs, taking prescription drugs without a prescription, or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Substance abuse can lead to addiction and serious health problems. Commonly Abused Substances in South Africa: South Africa faces challenges with various substances.

Here are some common ones: Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits.

Short-term effects:* Impaired judgment, slurred speech, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting.

Long-term effects:* Liver damage, heart problems, brain damage, addiction, increased risk of certain cancers.

Tobacco (Cigarettes): Contains nicotine, which is highly addictive.

Short-term effects:* Increased heart rate and blood pressure, bad breath, stained teeth.

Long-term effects:* Lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, other respiratory problems.

Cannabis (Dagga/Marijuana): Can be smoked or eaten.

Short-term effects:* Altered perception, impaired memory and coordination, increased appetite, anxiety, paranoia.

Long-term effects:* Lung problems, memory loss, mental health problems (especially in young people), addiction.

Methamphetamine (Tik): A highly addictive stimulant drug.

Short-term effects:* Increased energy and alertness, decreased appetite, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, paranoia, hallucinations.

Long-term effects:* Severe mental health problems, heart problems, brain damage, addiction, violent behavior.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs: Misuse of these drugs can be harmful. Examples include codeine-based cough syrups or pain relievers. Effects depend on the specific drug but can include:* Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, addiction, and even death in overdose.

Consequences of Substance Abuse: Substance abuse has wide-ranging consequences: Physical Consequences: Health problems like liver damage, heart disease, lung cancer, and brain damage. Increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Emotional Consequences: Depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, paranoia, and difficulty managing emotions.

Social Consequences: Damaged relationships with family and friends, isolation, problems at school or work, legal issues (arrests).

Financial Consequences: Money spent on drugs or alcohol can lead to debt and financial hardship. Loss of job due to substance abuse can also cause financial problems.

Resisting Peer Pressure: Peer pressure can be a powerful force, but you can resist it: Know your values: Be clear about what you believe is right and wrong.

Say no: Practice saying "no" firmly and confidently.

Offer alternatives: Suggest a different activity that doesn't involve drugs or alcohol.

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

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

Seeking Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, there is help available: Talk to a trusted adult: A parent, teacher, counselor, or religious leader.

Contact a helpline: The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) has a helpline: 011-892-

3

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9. There are also many other helplines available - search online.

Visit a clinic or hospital: Doctors and nurses can provide medical care and refer you to treatment programs.

Consider treatment programs: Rehabilitation centers and support groups can help people recover from addiction.

Worked example

Scenario: Your friends are pressuring you to try smoking a cigarette. How can you resist this peer pressure?

Solution:

Recognize the pressure. You feel uncomfortable and they are encouraging you to do something you don't want to do.

Say "No, thanks. I don't smoke." Firmly and directly.

Offer an alternative: "Let's rather go play soccer."

If they persist, remove yourself from the situation. "I'm going to head home now."

Commentary: This example demonstrates how to directly refuse and offer an alternative while prioritizing your own well-being. Walking away is a powerful way to avoid further pressure.

Scenario: You notice your older sibling is acting strangely, missing school, and seems to be hiding something. You suspect they might be using drugs. What should you do?

Solution:

Express your concern to a trusted adult: Tell your parents, a teacher, or a counselor that you are worried about your sibling.

Explain what you have observed: Be specific about the changes you have noticed in their behavior.

Allow the adult to decide the next step, which may include confronting your sibling and seeking professional help.

Commentary: This example highlights the importance of seeking help from a responsible adult when you suspect someone you know is struggling with substance abuse. It emphasizes that you are not responsible for solving the problem alone, but you can play a crucial role in getting them help.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

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

Solution:

Substance use is using a substance as intended or directed (e.g., taking prescribed medicine for a headache).

Substance abuse is using a substance in a way that is harmful or not intended (e.g., drinking too much alcohol or using illegal drugs).

Question 2: Name two physical consequences of long-term alcohol abuse.