Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define substance use and substance abuse.
• Identify common misused substances and their effects.
• Learn strategies to resist peer pressure.
• Understand the importance of seeking help.
• Know the legal consequences of substance abuse.

Lesson summary

This week's topic is extremely important for Grade 6 learners in South Africa: responsible decision-making regarding substance use and abuse. Even though you might think this topic is for older people, it's crucial to start learning about it now. You may have already seen or heard about substances like alcohol, cigarettes, or even drugs. Making informed and responsible choices about these substances is vital for your health, safety, and future well-being. Peer pressure, curiosity, and misinformation can sometimes lead people to make poor choices. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge and skills to resist negative influences and make healthy decisions.

Lesson notes

Substance Use vs.

Substance Abuse: Substance Use: This refers to using a substance as it is intended. For example, a doctor might prescribe medicine for an illness. Using the medicine exactly as the doctor instructs is substance use. Similarly, adults using alcohol responsibly and legally would also fall under this category, although as children, you should be aware that alcohol is harmful to your developing bodies.

Substance Abuse: This occurs when someone uses a substance in a way that is harmful or not intended. This includes using illegal drugs, taking too much of a prescribed medicine, or drinking alcohol underage. It can also involve using substances repeatedly despite knowing the negative consequences. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, health problems, and difficulties in school, work, and relationships.

Example: Imagine a headache. Using a painkiller as directed by an adult (or as written on the packet) is substance use. Taking more painkillers than recommended, hoping it will get rid of the headache faster, is substance abuse. Common Substances Misused in South Africa and Their Effects: Alcohol: Alcohol is a legal substance for adults over 18, but it is illegal and harmful for children to consume. Alcohol affects the brain and can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, brain damage, and addiction. In South Africa, alcohol is a major contributing factor to road accidents, violence, and crime.

Cigarettes (Nicotine): Smoking is also legal for adults over 18, but it's highly addictive and extremely harmful to health. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive, and many other chemicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, and lung problems. Being exposed to second-hand smoke is also harmful.

Cannabis (Dagga/Marijuana): While the laws around cannabis are changing in South Africa, it is still illegal for children. It affects the brain and can impair memory, concentration, and judgment. Long-term use can lead to mental health problems and addiction. Illegal Drugs (e.g., Tik, Mandrax, Heroin): These drugs are illegal and extremely dangerous. They can cause serious health problems, addiction, and even death. They significantly impair judgment, often leading to crime and violence. Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines: Taking too much cough syrup or painkillers, or using someone else's prescription medicine, is substance abuse. It can lead to serious health problems and even overdose.

Example: Sipho's uncle has a prescription for strong painkillers after an operation. Sipho's friend offers to take some, saying it will make him feel good. This is a dangerous and illegal misuse of prescription medication.

Peer Pressure and Resistance: Peer Pressure: This is the influence from friends or people your age to do something you might not want to do. It can be direct (someone asking you directly) or indirect (seeing others doing something and feeling like you should too).

Strategies for Resisting Peer Pressure: Say "No" confidently and firmly: Practice saying "No, thanks. I don't do that." Give a reason: Explain why you don't want to do it. For example, "No, thanks. I don't want to get into trouble." or "No, thanks. I don't want to damage my health." Suggest an alternative: Offer something else to do instead. "No, thanks. Let's rather go play soccer." Walk away: If the pressure continues, remove yourself from the situation.

Find supportive friends: Surround yourself with friends who make healthy choices and respect your decisions.

Example: A group of friends is behind the school building smoking cigarettes. They offer one to Thandi. Thandi says, "No, thanks. My grandmother died from lung cancer, and I don't want to ruin my lungs." She suggests they go to the library to work on their homework together instead.

Seeking Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it's important to seek help from a trusted adult. This could be a parent, teacher, counselor, or religious leader. There are also organizations in South Africa that provide support and treatment for substance abuse.

Legal Consequences: In South Africa, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or consume alcohol or tobacco products. Breaking these laws can result in fines or other penalties. It is also illegal to possess or use illegal drugs. These offences carry serious penalties. 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 (e.g., taking a prescribed medicine correctly). Substance abuse is using a substance in a harmful or unintended way (e.g., taking too much medicine or using illegal drugs).

Example of substance use: Using cough syrup as directed on the bottle to relieve a cough.

Example of substance abuse: Drinking cough syrup to get high.