LIFE ORIENTATION GRADE 8 TERM 2: WEEK 7-10
Understanding Substance Abuse: Causes,
Prevention, and Consequences
Social Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse
Community Influences
Communities play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards substance use. Some factors
include:
* Availability of drugs or alcohol in the neighborhood
- For example, areas with a high concentration of liquor stores or known drug dealing spots
- Lack of law enforcement or community policing to curb illegal drug activities
* Poverty and lack of opportunities
- Limited access to education, job training, or employment opportunities
- Financial stress leading to substance use as a coping mechanism
* High crime rates
- Exposure to violence and criminal activities normalizing risky behaviors
- Gang presence often associated with drug trafficking and use
* Lack of community activities or resources for young people
- Absence of after-school programs, sports facilities, or youth centers
- Limited access to mental health services or substance abuse prevention programs
For example, in some urban areas with high unemployment, drug use might be more common
due to a combination of stress, lack of opportunities, and easy access to substances. In
contrast, rural communities with strong social bonds, active community centers, and robust
youth programs might have lower rates of substance abuse.
Media Influences
Media can impact how people view drugs and alcohol:
* Movies and TV shows sometimes glamorize drug and alcohol use
- Characters using substances without showing negative consequences
- Portraying substance use as a way to cope with problems or have fun
* Advertisements for alcohol can make drinking seem cool or fun
- Using attractive models or celebrities to promote alcoholic beverages
- Associating alcohol with exciting lifestyles or success
* Social media can spread misinformation about drugs
- Viral challenges involving dangerous substance use
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LIFE ORIENTATION GRADE 8 TERM 2: WEEK 7-10
- Influencers promoting unproven or harmful substances
* News reports about celebrities using substances might normalize the behavior
- Sensationalized coverage of celebrity substance abuse
- Lack of focus on the negative impacts of substance use in these stories
For instance, a popular movie showing characters drinking at parties might make teens think it's
normal to do the same. A teen might see their favorite actor drinking at a party in a film and
assume that's how they should behave at social gatherings.
Preventing Substance Abuse: Refusal and
Decision-Making Skills
Refusal Skills
Learning to say "no" is crucial. Here are some strategies:
1. Be firm and clear: "No, I don't want to."
- Use a confident tone and maintain eye contact
- Repeat your refusal if necessary
2. Give a reason: "No thanks, I have a big test tomorrow."
- Provide a believable excuse that aligns with your values
- Be prepared with multiple reasons in advance
3. Suggest an alternative: "Let's go to the movies instead."
- Propose activities that don't involve substances
- Be ready with fun, substance-free ideas
4. Leave the situation if needed
- Have a pre-arranged signal with a trusted friend to help you exit
- Always prioritize your safety and well-being
Decision-Making Skills
Making good choices involves:
1. Identifying the problem (e.g., being offered drugs)
- Recognize potential risks and peer pressure situations
- Be aware of your own vulnerabilities and triggers
2. Considering options (accept, refuse, or suggest an alternative)
- Think about immediate and long-term consequences of each option
- Consider how each choice aligns with your personal goals and values
3. Thinking about consequences (health risks, legal trouble, disappointing family)
- Research and understand the potential health impacts of substance use
- Consider legal ramifications, including how it might affect future opportunities
- Think about how your choices impact those who care about you
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LIFE ORIENTATION GRADE 8 TERM 2: WEEK 7-10
4. Making a choice based on your values and goals
- Reflect on what's truly important to you
- Consider how your decision will affect your future plans
For example, if offered a cigarette, you might think about how it could affect your health and
sports performance, then decide to refuse. You could say, "No thanks, I'm training for the track
meet and I need my lungs in top shape." This response not only refuses the offer but also
reinforces your commitment to your goals.
Listen to understand the topic better!
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Understanding Substance Abuse: Causes,
Prevention, and Consequences
Rehabilitation Options
Where to Find Help in South Africa
* School counselors or teachers
* Local health clinics or hospitals
* Community support groups (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous)
* Rehabilitation centers
* Helplines and online resources
Important Helpline Numbers in South Africa:
1. Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14
- This toll-free helpline provides 24/7 support for substance abuse issues
2. South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567
- Offers support for mental health issues, including those related to substance abuse
3. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) South Africa: 0861 435 722
- Provides support and information for those struggling with alcohol abuse
4. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) South Africa: 083 900 6962
- Offers support for individuals dealing with drug addiction
5. South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA): 011 892 3829
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LIFE ORIENTATION GRADE 8 TERM 2: WEEK 7-10
- Provides counseling and treatment services for substance abuse
Sexual Abuse Helplines in South Africa:
1. Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
- 24-hour toll-free helpline for children and teens facing abuse or other issues
2. Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
- Offers support for victims of gender-based violence, including sexual abuse
3. Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust: 021 447 9762
- Provides counseling and support for survivors of sexual violence
4. Tears Foundation: *134*7355# (Free on all networks)
- Offers support for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence
Remember, these helplines are confidential and staffed by trained professionals who can
provide support, information, and referrals to appropriate services. Don't hesitate to reach out if
you or someone you know needs help.
Types of Care and Support
1. Detoxification: Medical support to safely stop using substances
2. Counseling: Individual or group therapy to address underlying issues
3. Support groups: Peer support from others facing similar challenges
4. Medication: In some cases, to manage withdrawal or cravings
5. Family therapy: Involving family members in the recovery process
For example, a teen struggling with alcohol might start by calling the Substance Abuse Helpline.
The counselor could then refer them to a local support group or treatment center for further
help.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many people have successfully
overcome substance abuse with the right support and treatment. In South Africa, there are
numerous resources available to help individuals and families affected by substance abuse and
sexual violence.
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LIFE ORIENTATION GRADE 8 TERM 2: WEEK 7-10
Substance Abuse Vocabulary List for 8th
Grade
Key Terms and Definitions
1. Substance abuse: The harmful or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol that can lead to health
and social problems.
2. Community influences: Factors in a person's neighborhood or social environment that can
affect their likelihood of using drugs or alcohol.
3. Media influences: Ways that movies, TV shows, advertisements, and social media can
shape people's attitudes about drugs and alcohol.
4. Refusal skills: Techniques for saying "no" to drugs or alcohol when they are offered.
5. Decision-making skills: The ability to make good choices by considering options and
consequences.
6. Short-term consequences: Immediate negative effects of substance use, like feeling sick or
getting in trouble at school.
7. Long-term consequences: Serious problems that can happen from using drugs or alcohol
over a long time, such as addiction or health issues.
8. Addiction: When someone can't stop using a drug or alcohol even though it's causing
problems in their life.
9. Rehabilitation: Programs and treatments that help people stop using drugs or alcohol and
recover from addiction.
10. Detoxification: The process of safely stopping drug or alcohol use, often with medical help.
11. Counseling: Talking with a trained professional to address problems related to substance
use.
12. Support groups: Meetings where people with similar substance abuse issues can share
experiences and help each other.
13. Peer pressure: When friends or classmates try to convince someone to do something, like
use drugs or alcohol.
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LIFE ORIENTATION GRADE 8 TERM 2: WEEK 7-10
14. Prevention: Actions taken to stop substance abuse before it starts.
15. Impaired judgment: When drugs or alcohol make it hard for someone to think clearly or
make good decisions.
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