Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs--short- and long-term impacts. The student identifies and analyzes the short- and long-term impacts of the use and misuse of alcohol; tobacco; drugs, including prescription drugs; and other substances

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.115.26.16A primary
  describe the short- and long-term health consequences of prescription and over-thecounter drug misuse and substance use disorders; and
• TEKS.115.26.16B primary
  discuss the legal consequences related to the use, misuse, and possession of drugs, including prescription drugs.

Lesson Overview

This Grade 6 Health Education lesson focuses on helping students identify and analyze the short- and long-term health consequences of the use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, and other substances. Students will also discuss the legal consequences related to drug use, misuse, and possession. The lesson includes direct teaching, guided practice, and reflection to promote safe and healthy decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the short- and long-term health consequences of prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse and substance use disorders.
• Discuss the legal consequences related to the use, misuse, and possession of drugs, including prescription drugs.

Success Criteria

• Students can explain at least two short-term and two long-term health effects of misusing alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs.
• Students can identify legal consequences associated with drug misuse and possession.
• Students can participate in discussions and role-plays demonstrating understanding of safe and healthy choices related to substance use.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs are, and general knowledge about making healthy choices and following laws.

Key Vocabulary

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Drug misuse
• Substance use disorder
• Short-term health consequences
• Long-term health consequences
• Legal consequences
• Possession

Materials and Resources

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Scenario cards for role-play
• Handouts summarizing health and legal consequences
• Video or presentation on substance misuse (optional)

Teacher Preparation

• Review TEKS.115.26.16A and TEKS.115.26.16B standards to ensure alignment.
• Prepare examples of short- and long-term health consequences for different substances.
• Prepare legal consequence scenarios related to drug misuse and possession.
• Create or gather role-play scenario cards illustrating situations involving substance use and legal issues.
• Arrange classroom seating to facilitate group discussions and role-plays.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Short-Term Health Consequences of Substance Misuse

Short-term health consequences are effects that happen soon after using or misusing substances like alcohol, tobacco, or prescription drugs. Examples include impaired judgment, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, and difficulty concentrating. These effects can lead to accidents or risky behaviors. For instance, alcohol misuse can cause slurred speech and poor coordination, increasing the risk of injury.

Long-Term Health Consequences of Substance Misuse

Long-term health consequences develop over time with continued misuse of substances. These include chronic diseases such as liver damage from alcohol, lung disease from tobacco, addiction, mental health disorders, and damage to organs. Prescription drug misuse can lead to substance use disorders, where the body becomes dependent on the drug, causing withdrawal symptoms and health deterioration.

Substance Use Disorders

A substance use disorder is a medical condition where a person cannot control their use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences. It affects brain function and behavior, leading to compulsive use. Recognizing signs of substance use disorders is important for early intervention and treatment.

Legal Consequences of Drug Use and Possession

Using, misusing, or possessing drugs, including prescription drugs without a prescription, can lead to legal consequences. These may include fines, community service, suspension from school, or even juvenile detention. Laws exist to protect individuals and communities from the dangers of drug misuse. Understanding these laws helps students make informed decisions and avoid legal trouble.

Role of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Prescription drugs are medicines given by a doctor for specific health conditions. Misusing them, such as taking someone else's medicine or using them for non-medical reasons, can be harmful and illegal. Over-the-counter drugs are available without a prescription but must be used as directed. Misuse of either type can cause health problems and legal issues.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

In groups, students discuss each scenario and list health and legal consequences they think apply. They then share their ideas with the class.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What is one short-term health effect of drinking alcohol?
2. Developing: Name one long-term health consequence of smoking tobacco.
3. Application: Explain why misusing prescription drugs can be harmful to your health.
4. Analysis: Compare the legal consequences of possessing prescription drugs without a prescription to those of possessing tobacco underage.
5. Challenge: Describe a scenario where someone might face both health and legal consequences from drug misuse, and explain what those consequences could be.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. One short-term health effect of drinking alcohol is impaired coordination.
2. 2. One long-term health consequence of smoking tobacco is lung disease.
3. 3. Misusing prescription drugs can be harmful because it can cause addiction, damage organs, and lead to dangerous side effects.
4. 4. Possessing prescription drugs without a prescription can lead to serious legal penalties such as fines or juvenile detention, while possessing tobacco underage often results in fines or school disciplinary actions; both are illegal but differ in severity.
5. 5. A student caught using a prescription drug not prescribed to them at school might experience health consequences like addiction and side effects, and legal consequences such as suspension or juvenile court involvement.

Guiding Questions

• What are the immediate effects of using alcohol or tobacco?
• How can drug misuse affect your body over time?
• What laws exist about drug use and possession?
• How can you say no to peer pressure involving drugs?
• Who can you talk to if you or someone you know is misusing drugs?

Common Misconceptions

• Some students may think that prescription drugs are safe to use without a doctor’s permission because they are medicines.
• Students might believe that short-term effects are not harmful since they go away quickly.
• There may be a misconception that legal consequences only apply to illegal drugs, not prescription drugs.
• Some students might think that tobacco is harmless because it is legal for adults.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe student participation in discussions and role-plays.
• Review group lists of health and legal consequences from scenarios.
• Ask questions during the explain phase to check understanding.
• Write one short-term health consequence and one legal consequence of drug misuse.
• Create a poster or presentation explaining the impacts of alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse.

Answer Guide

• What are two short-term health consequences of misusing prescription drugs?
  Answer: Dizziness and nausea.
• Name one long-term health consequence of tobacco use.
  Answer: Lung disease or chronic respiratory problems.
• What is one legal consequence of possessing drugs without a prescription?
  Answer: Fines, community service, or juvenile detention.
• Why is it important to refuse drugs offered by peers?
  Answer: To avoid health risks and legal problems associated with drug misuse.
• Who can you talk to if you suspect someone is misusing drugs?
  Answer: A parent, teacher, school administrator, or another trusted adult.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to discuss what they learned about substance misuse with their family and identify trusted adults they can talk to if they have questions or concerns.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to discuss what they learned about substance misuse with their family and identify trusted adults they can talk to if they have questions or concerns.

Lesson Summary

Students learned to identify and analyze the short- and long-term health consequences of misusing alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs, as well as the legal consequences related to drug use and possession. They practiced refusal skills and discussed the importance of making safe, healthy choices to protect themselves and their communities.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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