Drug and Alcohol Use, Abuse, Effects and Prevention for Primary 4

Drug and alcohol education

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. discuss the meaning of drug and alcohol education;
2. classify drugs into stimulants and depressants.

Understanding Drugs

Drugs are substances that can change the way the body and mind work. Some drugs are helpful, while others can be harmful.

What is a Drug?

A drug is any substance that, when taken into the body, changes the way the body or mind functions.

Many drugs are used as medicines to help people feel better when they are sick or in pain. These are called medicinal drugs. They are usually prescribed by a doctor or bought from a pharmacy with guidance.

Other drugs can be harmful if not used correctly or if they are illegal. These drugs can make a person feel strange, sick, or even cause serious health problems.

Understanding Alcohol

Alcohol is a special type of drug that is found in certain drinks. It affects the brain and body, changing how a person thinks, feels, and acts.

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a drug found in drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits.

When a person drinks alcohol, it enters their bloodstream and travels to all parts of the body, including the brain. This can make a person feel dizzy, sleepy, or lose control of their actions. For children, alcohol is especially dangerous and should never be consumed.

Classifying Drugs

Drugs can be classified, or grouped, based on how they affect the body and mind. For Primary 4, we will learn about two main classes of drugs: stimulants and depressants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body’s activities. They make a person feel more awake, alert, and energetic.

When a person takes a stimulant, their heart might beat faster, and they might feel less tired. Examples of mild stimulants include caffeine found in coffee and some soft drinks, and kola nut. Some strong stimulants are harmful and can be very dangerous if abused.

Depressants

Depressants are drugs that slow down the body’s activities. They make a person feel relaxed, sleepy, or less anxious.

When a person takes a depressant, their heart rate and breathing might slow down. They might feel drowsy or less coordinated. Alcohol is an example of a depressant. Some medicines prescribed by doctors to help people sleep or calm down are also depressants.