Identify ways to report a suspected abuse of drugs to a parent, school administrator, teacher, or another trusted adult

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.115.26.17A primary
  identify ways to report a suspected abuse of drugs to a parent, school administrator, teacher, or another trusted adult;
• TEKS.115.26.17B primary
  identify signs and symptoms of alcohol; tobacco; drugs, including prescription drugs; and other substance use and misuse such as using medicine prescribed for someone else or for reasons other than intended;

Lesson Overview

This Grade 6 health education lesson focuses on identifying ways to report suspected drug abuse to a parent, school administrator, teacher, or another trusted adult. It also covers recognizing signs and symptoms of alcohol, tobacco, drugs (including prescription drugs), and other substance misuse. The lesson is grounded in TEKS standards and designed to help students understand how to seek help and support related to substance use and misuse.

Learning Objectives

• Identify ways to report suspected drug abuse to a parent, school administrator, teacher, or another trusted adult.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of alcohol, tobacco, drugs (including prescription drugs), and other substance misuse, such as using medicine prescribed for someone else or for reasons other than intended.

Success Criteria

• Students can list at least three trusted adults they can report suspected drug abuse to.
• Students can describe at least three signs or symptoms that might indicate someone is misusing substances.
• Students can explain why it is important to report suspected drug abuse and how to do so safely and respectfully.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic concepts of personal safety and know who trusted adults are in their lives. They should have a general awareness of what drugs and substances are and that misuse can be harmful.

Key Vocabulary

• Drug abuse
• Substance misuse
• Prescription drugs
• Trusted adult
• Signs and symptoms
• Report
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

Materials and Resources

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Scenario cards for role play
• Handout listing trusted adults and reporting steps
• Visual aids showing signs and symptoms of substance misuse

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare scenario cards illustrating situations of suspected drug abuse.
• Review signs and symptoms of substance misuse to share with students.
• Prepare a list of trusted adults relevant to the school and community context.
• Plan questions to guide discussion about why reporting is important and how to do it safely.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Drug Abuse and Substance Misuse

Drug abuse refers to using alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, or other substances in a way that is harmful or not intended. Substance misuse includes using medicine prescribed for someone else or for reasons other than intended. Recognizing misuse helps students understand why reporting is important.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse

Signs can include changes in behavior, mood swings, physical symptoms like unusual tiredness or shakiness, neglecting responsibilities, or secretive behavior. For example, someone using prescription drugs improperly might appear confused or unusually energetic. Recognizing these signs helps students identify when someone might need help.

Trusted Adults and Reporting

Trusted adults include parents, school administrators, teachers, counselors, or other adults students feel safe with. Reporting means telling a trusted adult about suspected drug abuse so the person can get help. It's important to report respectfully and safely, focusing on concern for the person's well-being.

How to Report Suspected Drug Abuse

Students should know to approach a trusted adult privately, clearly explain what they have observed or heard, and express their concern. They should understand that reporting is a way to help, not to get someone in trouble. Confidentiality and safety are important during reporting.

Role of Reporting in Treatment and Support

Reporting suspected drug abuse is the first step toward getting treatment and support for the person misusing substances. Early reporting can prevent harm and connect individuals to resources like counseling or medical help.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

In small groups, students analyze scenarios to identify signs of misuse and decide which trusted adult they would report to and how.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: Name two trusted adults you could talk to if you suspected someone was misusing drugs.
2. Developing: List three signs or symptoms that might show someone is misusing alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
3. Application: If you saw a classmate using medicine that was not prescribed to them, what steps would you take to report this safely?
4. Analysis: Why is it important to report suspected drug abuse to a trusted adult instead of trying to handle it alone?
5. Challenge: Imagine you are worried about a friend who shows signs of drug misuse but asks you not to tell anyone. How can you balance respecting their feelings and ensuring they get help?

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. Examples include a parent, teacher, school counselor, or school administrator.
2. 2. Signs include mood swings, secretive behavior, tiredness, neglecting responsibilities, or using medicine not prescribed to them.
3. 3. I would talk privately to a trusted adult, explain what I saw clearly and respectfully, and express my concern for my classmate's safety.
4. 4. Reporting to a trusted adult ensures the person misusing substances can get professional help and support. Handling it alone might not solve the problem and could be unsafe.
5. 5. I would explain to my friend that I care about their safety and that getting help is important. I would promise to be supportive and tell a trusted adult to help them, emphasizing that it is to keep them safe, not to get them in trouble.

Guiding Questions

• What are some signs that someone might be misusing drugs?
• Who can you trust to talk to about your concerns?
• How can reporting help someone who is struggling?
• What should you do if you suspect drug abuse?
• Why is it important to be respectful and safe when reporting?

Common Misconceptions

• Reporting suspected drug abuse is tattling or getting someone in trouble. (Clarify that reporting is about helping and keeping people safe.)
• Only adults can notice signs of drug misuse. (Students can learn to recognize signs and take action.)
• You must have proof before reporting. (Explain that concerns based on observations should be shared with trusted adults who can investigate.)

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe student participation in role-plays and discussions.
• Ask students to identify signs and trusted adults during guided practice.
• List three signs of substance misuse.
• Name two trusted adults you can report to.
• Explain why reporting suspected drug abuse is important.
• Write a short paragraph describing how to report suspected drug abuse and why it matters.
• Create a poster showing signs of substance misuse and how to seek help.

Answer Guide

• Name two trusted adults you could talk to if you suspected someone was misusing drugs.
  Answer: A parent, teacher, school counselor, or school administrator.
• List three signs or symptoms that might show someone is misusing alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
  Answer: Mood swings, secretive behavior, tiredness, neglecting responsibilities, or using medicine not prescribed to them.
• If you saw a classmate using medicine that was not prescribed to them, what steps would you take to report this safely?
  Answer: Talk privately to a trusted adult, explain clearly and respectfully, and express concern for the classmate's safety.
• Why is it important to report suspected drug abuse to a trusted adult instead of trying to handle it alone?
  Answer: Trusted adults can provide professional help and support; handling it alone might not solve the problem and could be unsafe.
• Imagine you are worried about a friend who shows signs of drug misuse but asks you not to tell anyone. How can you balance respecting their feelings and ensuring they get help?
  Answer: Explain to the friend that getting help is important for their safety, promise to be supportive, and tell a trusted adult to help them.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to talk with their parents or guardians about trusted adults they can go to for help and discuss the importance of reporting concerns about drug misuse.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to talk with their parents or guardians about trusted adults they can go to for help and discuss the importance of reporting concerns about drug misuse.

Lesson Summary

Students learned to identify signs and symptoms of substance misuse and understand the importance of reporting suspected drug abuse to trusted adults. They practiced how to report respectfully and safely through role-play and discussions. Reporting is a key step in helping individuals get treatment and support to stay safe and healthy.

Teacher Notes

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

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