lesson plan
grade
6
All mood-altering drugs - legal
and illegal - can be hazardous
Overview
Through this lesson, students will improve their
knowledge of several drugs relevant to them in
their lives: alcohol and tobacco (because they
are legally available, yet cause a range of harms);
cannabis (because it is the most commonly used
illegal substance by BC teens and adults) and crystal
methamphetamine (because of heightened public
awareness).
This will be achieved through collaborative small
group learning and a game requiring students
to match particular effects to each of these
substances.
Lesson Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
An understanding of the main effects
related to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and
methamphetamine;
An understanding that all mood-altering
substances, whether legal or illegal, have
potential to bring harm to the user and others.
no2meth
METH BASICS
Knowledge of basic
information on crystal
meth, including names,
ingredients and shortand long-term harms.
Links to BC Curriculum PLO
•Health and Career Education (2006)
Substance Misuse Prevention: Describe the
potential consequences for themselves and others if
they use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
•English Language Arts (2006)
Reading and viewing: Read fluently and
demonstrate enjoyment and comprehension of gradeappropriate information texts with some specialized
language, including non-fiction books, and textbooks
and other instructional materials, visual or graphic
materials, reports and articles from magazines
and journals, reference materials, appropriate web
sites, instructions and procedures, advertising and
promotional materials;
Oral language: Use speaking and listening to
interact with others for the purposes of contributing to
group success, discussing and comparing ideas and
opinions, improving and deepening comprehension,
discussing concerns and resolving problems,
completing a variety of tasks;
Oral language: Select and use strategies when
interacting with others, including accessing prior
knowledge, making and sharing connections, asking
questions for clarification and understanding, taking
turns as speaker and listener, paraphrasing to clarify
meaning;
Oral language: Using speaking and listening to
respond, explain, and provide supporting evidence for
their connections to texts.
p. - grade 6
no2meth
1
Prepare an overhead for So You Think You
Know about Drugs – Quiz Sheet
2
Make copies of:
• 4 fact sheets (Activity 1)
• Student Marking Sheet (Activity 2)
• So You Think You Know about Drugs
– Quiz Sheet (Home Link)
• So You Think You Know about Drugs
– Answer Key (Home Link)
lesson plan - grade 6
Preparation and Materials
• Home Link Activity Guide (Home Link)
3
Review and become familiar with So You
Think You Know about Drugs – Answer
Key
Time Frame
5
9 10
8
2 3 4
12 1
11
6 7
45 minutes
no2meth
grade 6 - p. Procedure
Lesson Starter
Ask students which drug causes the most problems for
families and communities in British Columbia. The answer
is either tobacco or alcohol – tobacco causes the most
deaths whereas alcohol is associated with many social
problems and causes more deaths than all of the illegal
substances combined. This may be a surprise because
alcohol and tobacco are legally available and movies and
TV usually link them to positive experiences.
Activity 1 (small group)
• Divide the students into 4 or 8 groups (ideally with
4 or 5 per group); with 4 groups, assign each group
one of the four substances and provide enough fact
sheets on that substance for everyone in the group
(See Section 4); with 8 groups, assign 2 groups to
each substance.
• Ask students to take 10 minutes to collaboratively
learn about the substance from the fact sheet, ensuring that, whatever their approach, they learn about
(a) its drug classification, (b) short-term effects, (c)
long-term effects, (d) potential for dependency and
(e) legal status.
p. - grade 6
no2meth
• Re-group students so that 4 students with information on different substances come together and
share it with other group members (4-5 minutes
each).
• Distribute enough copies of the Student Marking
Sheet for each group member to be able to evaluate
each of the other group members. Ask the students
to complete one form per group member once they
have shared the knowledge they have learned about
the substance; indicate that you will be collecting all
the forms at the end of the class.
Activity 3: (full class) Matching Game: So
you think you know about drugs?
lesson plan - grade 6
Activity 2 (small group)
• Provide overhead of the game questions, indicating
that four of the statements refer to more than one of
the substances.
• Remaining in the same groups, students work as
teams to match the statements to the substance (you
might have each group take turns picking an unanswered question and offering an answer).
• Refer to Teacher Resource to correct student misconceptions.
no2meth
grade 6 - p. Closing questions
How do the facts compare to messages you hear about
these various substances? Students may have perceived
alcohol and cannabis to be less hazardous than the fact
sheets indicate.
Closing points
1. Both legal and illegal drugs can be hazardous even
though many also have some potential for beneficial use.
2. What determines the risk of harm is the way a substance
is used (e.g. amount used, the way it is administered, the
setting in which it is used, how often it is used, and the
purpose for which it is used).
Assessment
Learning new information about substances and
sharing that information with others students provides
students with an opportunity to practice and refine
their communication skills. Effective communication
is a blend of what the sender says and the received
hears, so the assessment activity asks group members
to rate each others communication skills on that basis.
The assessment activity provides students working in
small groups with a tool (Student marking Sheet) for
taking stock of other group members’ presentation
skills and asks that they complete one form per group
member after information has been shared within the
small group. Once the class is over, you will collect all
forms and transfer all forms per student to a single
summary form (Marking Sheet Summary). You can
then give each student a copy of their overall rating for
feedback.
p. - grade 6
no2meth
• Upon having played and understood the game,
So You Think You Know about Drugs?, students
may enjoy “hosting” a family version of the
game; this will serve to reinforce the leadership
and communication skills, as well as the key
drug-specific concepts learned in class.
• Provide each student a copy of the Quiz Sheet
and Answer Key as well as the Home Link
Activity Guide.
Extension activity
• In small groups, ask students to write down 4
or 5 new facts from the fact sheets that weren’t
brought out in the first game and play another
game of So You Think You Know about Drugs?,
with each group challenging classmates with
the new questions.
no2meth
lesson plan - grade 6
Home Link
grade 6 - p. So you think you know about drugs?
quiz sheet
(Match each statement below to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or crystal
methamphetamine. Careful - several statements refer to more than one drug)
If a person has not
used this substance
by the time they reach
their twenties, it is unlikely they ever will.
This drug is usually
classified on its own
because it acts like a
depressant, stimulant
and hallucinogen.
Use of this drug results This is the most comin more deaths than all monly used illegal drug
other drugs together.
in BC and most parts
of the world.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Paint thinner and
camp stove fuel may
be used when making
this drug.
This drug is classified
as a central nervous
system depressant.
Heavy use of this drug
can lead to problems
with teeth and skin.
This drug is used by
more teenagers than
any other.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
The number of people
using this drug has
gone down more than
any other drug in the
past twenty years.
While many teens
think it is funny if
their friends vomit
after using this drug,
it’s actually a sign of
poisoning.
First-time users of this
substance may feel
dizzy and energized
and may experience
diarrhea and vomiting.
While all drug use
is considered risky,
use of this substance
during pregnancy is especially dangerous and
can result in lifelong
damage to the child.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
This substance gives
users a sense of energy and self-confidence
in the short-term.
There is a great deal
of confusion about
whether this drug is
legal or not.
Moderate use of this
This drug is sold with
substance by older
health warnings in
adults may reduce risk Canada.
of heart attack.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
This drug contains over This drug can remain
4,000 chemicals.
in the body for a long
time after use.
This substance affects This drug is sometimes
short-term memory
used by injection.
and attention span.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
People can develop a
dependency on this
substance.
This drug is classified
as a central nervous
system stimulant.
Use of this drug can
lead to violence.
About 1 in 20 teens in
BC have ever used this
drug.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
Answer:
p. - grade 6
no2meth
So you think you know about drugs?
answers at a glance
ALCOHOL
CANNABIS
TOBACCO
CRYSTAL METH
This drug is classified
as a central nervous
system depressant.
This drug is usually
classified on its own
because it acts like a
depressant, stimulant
and hallucinogen.
The number of people
using this drug has
gone down more than
any other drug in the
past twenty years.
About 1 in 20 teens in
BC have ever used this
drug.
This drug is used by
more teenagers than
any other.
There is a great deal
of confusion about
whether this drug is
legal or not.
This drug is sold with
health warnings in
Canada.
Paint thinner and
camp stove fuel may
be used when making
this drug.
While many teens
think it is funny if
their friends vomit
after using this drug,
it’s actually a sign of
poisoning.
This substance affects First-time users of this Heavy use of this drug
short-term memory
substance may feel
can lead to problems
and attention span.
dizzy and energized
with teeth and skin.
and may experience
diarrhea and vomiting.
Moderate use of this
substance by older
adults may reduce risk
of heart attack.
This is the most commonly used illegal
drug in BC and most
parts of the world.
This drug contains
over 4,000 chemicals.
This substance gives
users a sense of energy and self-confidence
in the short-term.
While all drug use is
considered risky, use
of this substance during pregnancy is especially dangerous and
can result in lifelong
damage to the child.
This drug can remains
in the body for a long
time after use.
Use of this drug results in more deaths
than all other drugs
together.
This drug is sometimes used by injection.
Items below apply to more than one drug
People can develop a
dependency on this
substance [applies to
all].
no2meth
This drug is classified
as a central nervous
system stimulant
[applies to tobacco
and crystal methamphetamine].
Use of this drug can
lead to violence [applies to alcohol and
crystal methamphetamine].
If a person has not
used this substance
by the time they reach
their twenties, it is
unlikely they ever will
[applies to all].
grade 6 - p. So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
Alcohol
1
This drug is classified as a central nervous
system depressant.
As a depressant it doesn’t necessarily make a person
“depressed”; rather, it depresses or slows brain activity. This
means a person usually feels more relaxed; slowed brain activity
means that a person is less able to coordinate their movements
and judgment is also affected, so a person is less able to judge
whether they can perform a task such as drive a car or play a
sport.
2
This drug is used by more teenagers than any
other.
In BC, 37% of students 14 and younger have used alcohol at
least once, while 67% of those 15 to 16 years old, and 79% of
students 17 and older have done so. Some youth engage in a
risky form of drinking, called binge drinking – consuming 5 or
more drinks per sitting (McCreary Centre Society, 2004).
3
While many teens think it is funny if their
friends vomit after using this drug, it’s
actually a sign of poisoning.
Alcohol irritates the stomach and large amounts – such as when
a person binge drinks – may result in vomiting. Too much alcohol
can depress or slow the gag reflex. When the gag reflex is
slowed, there is a danger of choking on vomit, which can cause
death in a person who is not conscious.
p. 10 - grade 6
no2meth
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
4
Moderate use of this substance by older
adults may reduce risk of heart attack.
Older people (40 and over) can reduce the chances of having
a heart attack by drinking small amounts. “Small amounts”
means drinking as little as one drink every other day. If a person
drinks much more than this, it will not help the heart, and could
begin to hurt it.
5
While all drug use is considered risky, use of
this substance during pregnancy is especially
dangerous and can result in lifelong damage
to the child.
Alcohol is a particularly dangerous drug for an unborn child; the
most danger occurs when a mother consumes a large number
of drinks on the same occasion (i.e. 5 or more). The various
physical, mental and behavioural effects that can occur are
called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and they are permanent
effects for the child.
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 11
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
Cannabis
1
This drug is usually classified on its own because it
acts like a depressant, stimulant and hallucinogen.
As a depressant, cannabis slows down physical and mental processes,
making a person feel relaxed and reducing concentration and memory. It
acts like a stimulant because it speeds up the heart rate. Taking cannabis
in larger amounts, a person may experience hallucinations – images similar
to dreams or nightmares.
2
There is a great deal of confusion about whether this
drug is legal or not.
At different times in Canada’s past, there has been much discussion in
government and the media about reducing the penalties from using small
amounts of cannabis. The Canadian government, which controls drug laws,
has considered reducing the penalties from using small amounts to a fine
like a speeding ticket. Currently the biggest penalty for possession of small
amounts of cannabis is a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six
months, or both.
Part of the confusion lies in the fact that in 2001, Canada became the first
country to regulate the medicinal use of this substance for relief of severe
pain. People who suffer from terminal illness, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord
injury, epilepsy, severe pain and weight loss from cancer, AIDS or severe
arthritis can get access to marijuana through the federal government in
Canada (in 2004, under 1,000 people did so).
p. 12 - grade 6
no2meth
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
3
This substance affects short-term memory and
attention span.
Cannabis use reduces short-term memory and attention span, which can
be a problem if a person is driving a vehicle, studying or working. These
effects disappear after the effect of the drug wears off. If a person uses
cannabis frequently over a long period of time, these effects may remain
for long periods after a person stops using it.
4
This is the most commonly used illegal drug in BC.
5
This drug can remain in the body for a long time
after use.
Cannabis is by far the most used illegal drug by students and adults. For
example, in BC, 37% of students between Gr. 7-12 report having used it
at least once in their lives whereas mushrooms were used by 13% and
less than 10% of students had used any other illegal drug. As students
get older they are more likely to have used cannabis (and other drugs);
for example, 56% of students 17 and over have used cannabis compared
to 20% of Gr. 7s. Only a small percentage of BC students report using
cannabis frequently or heavily. The percentage of students that have used
cannabis went down slightly between 1998 and 2003 in BC. (McCreary
Centre Society, 2004).
Cannabis is stored in fatty tissues in the body, including the brain, and
takes a long time to leave the body. Even though the “high” effect of
smoking cannabis is over after several hours, it can be found in the body
several days later, affecting both mental and physical functions. In longterm heavy users, the remains of cannabis can be found weeks after use.
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 13
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
Tobacco
1
The number of people using this drug has
gone down more than any other drug in
the past twenty years.
The number of people smoking in Canada and BC has
gone down significantly since 1985 in all age groups
(overall by 14 percentage points). This includes a drop of 8
percentage points for youth aged 15-19. The decline has
been greater than average in BC, which now has the lowest
rates in the country (with 16% of people 15 and over
reporting smoking). (Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring
Survey 2005). But smoking rates in some regions of BC is
much higher than the average.
2
This drug is sold with health warnings in
Canada.
Every cigarette package sold in Canada is filled with
warnings: they must show (a) a picture and message of
a health problem caused by smoking, (b) the amounts of
6 chemicals found in the cigarettes and (c) other health
information. Advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco
products can only occur in places where people under 18
years of age are not permitted (e.g. bars) or in magazines
not read by young people.
p. 14 - grade 6
no2meth
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
3
First-time users of this substance
may feel dizzy and energized and may
experience diarrhea and vomiting.
First time users of cigarettes often feel dizzy and may
experience diarrhea and vomiting because their bodies are
not used to smoke being taken in. They may feel energized
because nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant.
4
This drug contains over 4,000 chemicals.
5
Use of this drug results in more deaths
than all other drugs together.
Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals; 50 of
them are known to cause cancer; the six most important
chemicals are nicotine, tar, formaldehyde, carbon
monoxide, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide.
It was recently estimated that over 37,000 people die
each year in Canada due to illnesses caused by smoking
tobacco (mainly lung cancer and heart disease). This is
compared with alcohol (8,100 deaths) and all illegal drugs
(1,700 deaths). (CCSA, 2006).
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 15
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
Crystal methamphetamine
1
About 1 in 20 teens in BC have ever used this drug.
2
Paint thinner and camp stove fuel may be used when
making this drug.
The best information available suggests that around 5% of students in
Grades 7-12 have ever used crystal methamphetamine. The percentage of
younger teens, such as those in Grade 6, 7 and 8, is lower still. Although
it is important not to generalize, older youth in some sub-groups, such
as youth in trouble with the law, street-involved youth, clubbers, and gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons are more likely to use this
substance than those in the general population. (Lampinen et al., 2006).
Methamphetamine tablets are made by pharmaceutical companies and
prescribed by Canadian doctors on a limited basis for attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (a sleeping disorder) and
Parkinson’s disease. Methamphetamine, in powder and crystal forms, is
also made by illegal labs using a variety of ingredients, depending on what
is available. Paint thinner and camp stove fuel are just two of a number of
chemicals used to make crystal meth.
3
Heavy use of this drug can lead to problems with
teeth and skin.
Long-term use of crystal methamphetamine can lead to acne-like skin sores
and infections caused by repetitive scratching and picking. Dental problems
are also possible, caused by the dry mouth that results from use, neglected
care of the teeth, poor nutrition and the acidity of methamphetamine.
p. 16 - grade 6
no2meth
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
4
This substance gives users a sense of energy and
self-confidence in the short-term.
Crystal methamphetamine, because it is a “stimulant” drug, at first provides
users with a sense of alertness, energy and self-confidence. When the
effects of the drug end, the person feels tired and low. If a person continues
to use the drug to continue to experience these effects, she/he will need
to take more of the drug because the body gets use to it (i.e. tolerance).
“Chasing” these initial good feelings from the drug is one of the reasons
that crystal meth is seen as highly addictive.
5
This drug is sometimes used by injection.
Crystal methamphetamine can be used injection, or by swallowing, smoking
or snorting. When injected or smoked, the effects of crystal meth are
immediate and strong. After these strong effects wear off, a person usually
feels very tired and depressed, so it is easy to see why they may look to the
drug to make them feel better again. A big problem with injecting is that
people often use a needle that someone else has used, and some serious
diseases carried in a person’s blood, like hepatitis C and AIDS, can be
spread that way.
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 17
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
Statements referring to more
than one substance
1
This drug is classified as a central nervous
system stimulant [applies to tobacco and crystal
methamphetamine].
The most important ingredient in tobacco is nicotine, a highly poisonous
substance (two or three drops of pure nicotine can quickly kill an adult)
which is also a stimulant (i.e. it speeds up body processes like heart rate
and blood pressure) and is highly addictive when smoked.
Methamphetamine is a strong stimulant. Crystal meth is a purified form that
is stronger still, particularly when smoked, snorted or injected. The low-dose
effects of increased alertness and energy, a feeling of well-being, decreased
appetite, and increased blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, are all
typical of stimulant drugs, as are the effects of high doses: euphoria and a
sense of feeling powerful and superior, becoming talkative, restless, excited,
aggressive or paranoid.
2
People can develop a dependency on this substance
[applies to all].
It is possible to develop a dependency on any mood-altering drug (even
caffeine). Dependency is not a case of “all or nothing”; rather it is
something that happens by degrees with any regular use of a substance
and can be mild, moderate or strong. Usually, the stronger the effect of the
drug, the more possible and the stronger the dependency is.
p. 18 - grade 6
no2meth
So you think you know about drugs?
answer key
A mild dependency (such as with most coffee drinkers) does not cause
problems in a person’s life. With a strong dependence, a person’s life
becomes difficult to manage because the person spends a lot of time either
under the effect of the drug, recovering from the effect of the drug, getting
more of the drug, and planning or preparing to use the drug. An example
is a business person who smokes about 10 cannabis joints a day, and
arranges his work schedule and meetings to allow him to go to a washroom
or outside to smoke the joints.
3
Use of this drug can lead to violence [applies to
alcohol and crystal methamphetamine].
Both alcohol and crystal methamphetamine are linked to violent actions.
Alcohol has this effect on some people in some situations because it
reduces inhibitions (the ability to judge whether a behaviour is appropriate
or not). At higher doses, crystal meth use can lead to violence because it is
can cause an agitated, aggressive and paranoid state.
4
If a person has not used this substance by the time
they reach their twenties, it is unlikely they ever will
[applies to all].
The teen years are when many lifestyle behaviours are established (for
example, interest in video gaming, physical activity or outdoor recreation).
This is the case with substance use behaviours – if a person has not used
alcohol, tobacco or any of the illegal substances through their teen years,
they are not likely to later on. In the Western world, it’s also true that illegal
drug use and patterns of excessive alcohol use often decline with new
work and family responsibilities (particularly so with onset of family life).
(Schulenberg, et al., 2004).
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 19
Student Marking Sheet
Name of student being rated:
Please fill in the columns
Skill
Rate a skill:
1 – very poor
2 – poor
3 – average
4 – good
5 – very good
What could have been done better?
Please write down your comments
Understanding Information:
The presenter understood what he/
she had read and learned and was
able to pass the information along
without forgetting or referring back
to the sheets often.
Summarizing Information:
The presenter chose good points
to share and provided just enough
information for us to remember
(did not give too much or too little
information).
Speaking and Sharing:
The presenter spoke slowly and
clearly enough that we could easily
understand her/him.
Overall Score
p. 20 - grade 6
no2meth
Teacher’s Marking Sheet Summary
Student Name:
Rating Categories
Skill
Skill Rating:
1 – very poor
2 – poor
3 – average
4 – good
5 – very good
Here are some ideas for how you
can improve your performance
Understanding Information:
The presenter understood what he/
she had read and learned and was
able to pass the information along
without forgetting or referring back
to the sheets often.
Summarizing Information:
The presenter chose good points
to share and provided just enough
information for us to remember
(did not give too much or too little
information).
Speaking and Sharing:
The presenter spoke slowly and
clearly enough that we could easily
understand her/him.
Overall Score
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 21
So you think you know
about drugs?
grade 6 home link activity guide
Student Guide:
This activity provides an opportunity for you to “host” your own family
version of So You Think You Know about Drugs?
make sure you bring home a copy of the questions and the answers
(the fact sheets may be helpful but you don’t absolutely need them).
discuss with your family members how the teams will be made up.
as the “game host” you’ll be asking the questions and you’ll have the
answer sheet beside you.
if you decide to keep score that will be your job also. Have fun!
Parent Guide:
Through the lesson in the crystal methamphetamine learning resource
“All mood altering drugs – legal and illegal – can be hazardous”, students
gained a greater understanding of the effects linked with the use of four
substances: tobacco; alcohol; cannabis and crystal methamphetamine. The
following information was discussed for all substances: drug classification,
short- and long-term effects, potential for dependency and legal status.
The lesson involved small group peer teaching, offering an opportunity for
students to demonstrate leadership, communication skills and responsibility
for their learning. You have an opportunity to reinforce these skills as well
as the information your child learned by playing the game that was a part of
this lesson.
p. 22 - grade 6
no2meth
We suggest you allow your child to “host” a “So You Think You Know about
Drugs?” game at home. Here are some brief suggestions on making it work
well:
1
2
3
allow 15-30 minutes of your time for this activity; if the number of
family members age 12 or over permit, consider a team competition
(motivation: the loser has to wash the dishes/fill the dishwasher, etc.).
make sure everyone understands the rules of the game.
don’t allow yourself to be distracted; reading newspaper, watching
TV, etc. might diminish 1) child’s interest in the issue; 2) their
understanding of the importance of the problem; 3) their willingness to
discuss serious issues at home.
4
5
6
expect tricky questions.
7
8
gently challenge a child on a particular answer – this helps her/him
learn how to defend their position.
when you make a mistake, ask your child to elaborate on the right
answer/draw on other examples, etc.
show your child your judgment process (think aloud!) vs. giving one- or
two-word answers.
say what you most liked about the game, and don’t forget to
acknowledge your child’ efforts – s/he worked hard!
Optional: read through the fact sheets available at www.no2meth.ca
-- you may want to spend more time talking about substance use with your
child as this game has set a relaxed and open atmosphere.
Wrap-up thought: both legal and illegal drugs can be hazardous; what
determines the risk of harm is the way a substance is used (e.g. amount
used, the way it is administered, the setting in which it is used, how often it
is used, and the purpose for which it is used).
no2meth
grade 6 - p. 23
ALCOHOL fact sheet
Alcohol: what’s in it and how it works
a standard
drink is:
Alcohol (also called ethanol) is a drug that slows down your central
nervous system. It is a depressant, which makes you think, talk, move,
and react slower than usual.
Different types of drinks have different amounts of ethanol in them. A
beer usually contains 5% of alcohol, while liquor has up to 40%. This
means that one standard drink can have different sizes (see the table
on the right).
After you have a drink, the ethanol is absorbed into your bloodstream.
How your body responds to alcohol depends on how much alcohol you
put in your system, your size, gender, ethnicity, and drinking experience.
Generally, it takes your body about one hour to process one standard
drink. So, if you have 3 drinks, it will take at least 3 hours before the
effects wear off.
Why do people drink?
Some people drink alcohol because they like the taste and enjoy the
feeling of well-being they get from having a drink or two. For a lot of
people, drinking is a normal part of celebrating a special event. For
other people, alcohol is more like a tool. They drink to relieve stress
or anger. And for shy people, alcohol can help them become more
sociable.
Some men and women over 40 drink small amounts of alcohol on a
daily basis because it can positively impact their cardiovascular health.
Beer
350 ml (12 oz)
at 5% alc.
Wine
150 ml (5 oz)
at 12% alc.
Cocktail
50 ml (1.5 oz)
at 40% alc.
Teens and drinking
Teens drink alcohol for many of same reasons as adults. And while teens may look and
act like adults, the truth is they are still developing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
So, alcohol has a stronger effect on teens than it does on adults.
IMPORTANT: Currently in BC, the legal drinking age is 19!
How common is alcohol use in British Columbia?
Alcohol use is quite common in British Columbia:
• Among young teens, alcohol is the most commonly used substance. In the past year
33% of 13 year olds have tried alcohol.
• About 80% of British Columbians drink alcohol occasionally; every fifth resident
does so in a risky way at least once a month.
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How does alcohol affect a person?
After one or two drinks, most people feel more relaxed. However, even light drinking can
affect a person’s coordination, speech, balance and vision, even if they don’t feel drunk.
With increased alcohol consumption a person’s judgement, motor skills and ability to
estimate distances becomes increasingly impaired.
When is drinking risky?
Risky or hazardous drinking can lead to the following results:
• Falls, accidents or incidents of violence
• Poor decision making
• Vomiting or respiratory depression, which are the signs of alcohol poisoning
Drinking becomes even more risky if a person is:
• Mixing substances. Combining alcohol with other substances including over-thecounter or prescription medications can be dangerous and lead to overdose.
• Operating a motor vehicle. Driving while under the influence, or riding with someone
who is impaired is risky for you and other drivers or pedestrians.
• Pregnant. Women who drink alcohol can harm their babies. Alcohol can be transferred from the mother into the baby’s system, causing problems with growth and
brain development that can last a lifetime for the baby.
When is drinking a problem?
Whenever a person’s drinking patterns negatively affect their lives, or the lives of others,
they have a problem with alcohol!
IMPORTANT: Half of all alcohol related harms and deaths are caused by social drinkers.
These are people who normally drink wisely but just happen to have too many on a particular
occasion.
Drinking heavily can:



cause problems with relationships, money or the law;
result in health problems such as stomach ulcers, liver disease brain damage and
cancer can result as well;
lead to a dependence on alcohol, so a person needs the substance to cope with daily
life. Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous and may require medical assistance.
REMEMBER: the younger a person starts drinking, the more likely he or she is to develop
substance-related problems later in life.
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grade 6 - p. 25
CANNABIS fact sheet
Cannabis: what’s in it and how it works
Cannabis is a mood altering drug that comes from the Cannabis
Sativa plant. It is typically classified on its own, because it acts like a
depressant, stimulant, and a hallucinogen.
Researchers believe cannabis first grew in the Himalayan mountains in India
thousands of years ago. Today there are different types of cannabis plants that grow
naturally in many parts of the world. For more than 10,000 years, people in many
cultures have been using cannabis for recreational, religious and medical reasons.
Cannabis comes in three forms: marijuana, hashish and hash oil. Marijuana is the
most common form of cannabis. It is most often smoked, but can also be added to
some baked food or brewed in tea. When cannabis is smoked, it is quickly absorbed
through the lungs into the bloodstream, and then distributed through the body and
brain. Cannabis, remains in the body for a long time following use.
Cannabis is an illegal drug in Canada. This means that use, possession, production
and trafficking of cannabis are not permitted by the law, with the exception of
medical use.
Why do people use cannabis?
Certain groups of people use cannabis for spiritual reasons; however, most people
use the drug for recreational purposes. Some people use cannabis for the relaxing
effects of the drug, while others are drawn to the “high” feeling they experience.
Since 2001, people in Canada with serious medical conditions such as AIDS,
cancer, or arthritis have been able to use cannabis for medical purposes.
Teens and cannabis use
Most teens smoke up for the first time because they’re curious about the drug’s
effects. Some teens try it because others are trying it. For some, using cannabis is a
way of responding to life stresses. Other teens simply enjoy the risk of participating
in illegal activities that would potentially upset their parents. The truth is that drug
use of any kind is dangerous for teens because their brains and bodies are still
developing.
How common is cannabis use in BC?
• Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in BC and in most of the
world.
• Over 52% of people in the province have tried cannabis in their lifetime.
• Close to 17% of British Columbians have used the drug at least once in the
last year.
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How does cannabis affect a person?
Smoking or ingesting cannabis creates a sense of euphoria, and makes people feel more
relaxed and less inhibited. Colours might seem brighter, and sounds and smells more
distinct. Many users become confused and giddy, and most report having a dry mouth
and intense hunger or thirst. As the euphoria passes, some people feel sleepy.
For many, cannabis use brings unpleasant effects such as anxiety, depression, and
paranoia. Moderate amounts of cannabis may impair a person’s motor skills, shortterm memory, and concentration. High doses of cannabis can cause panic attacks and
psychosis.
Both the positive and negative effects of cannabis usually disappear within hours.
Risks of Cannabis use
Cannabis use poses additional risks when a person is:
• An adolescent. Teenagers are still developing physically and emotionally, and may
suffer from cognitive impairment as a result of heavy cannabis use.
• Pregnant. Women who use cannabis are more likely to have premature or underweight babies.
• Mixing substances. The effect of combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can more than double or triple the effect of each individual substance.
• Operating a motor vehicle. Cannabis can affect a person’s concentration, handeye coordination, time and distance perception, other driving-related skills, and
particularly a driver’s ability to react to unexpected road dangers.
PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM CANNABIS USE
One of the signs of problem cannabis use is tolerance. With continued use, a person
needs an increasing amount of cannabis to achieve the desired effect. Heavy cannabis
use can cause dependence. When a person becomes emotionally or physically
dependent on cannabis, they have a hard time functioning without using the drug.
Canabis use may also lead to other problems:



Health problems. Cannabis smoke contains cancer-producing chemicals that can,
over time, lead to respiratory health problems (chronic coughing, lung infections)
and cancer.
Thinking problems. Long-term users may also develop difficulties with memory,
concentration, abstract thinking, and motivation.
Mental Health. People with a predisposition or family history of mental health
issues such as depression or schizophrenia can initiate or worsen symptoms with
cannabis use.
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grade 6 - p. 27
TOBACCO fact sheet
Tobacco: what’s in it and how it works
Tobacco is a leafy plant that contains a chemical called nicotine. It
is a stimulant that speeds up activity in your central nervous system,
increases your heart rate and raises blood pressure.
The tobacco plant is native to North and South America. Aboriginal people chewed
tobacco leaves for hundreds of years before the arrival of Europeans. Many of the
early European settlers in the Americas learned how to smoke tobacco. As smoking
became more popular, the demand for tobacco increased, and settlers started
building large tobacco plantations.
Today, the world’s leading tobacco producers are China, Brazil, India and the United
States. The process of making modern tobacco is complex. Many chemicals are
now being added to the leaves. When you smoke tobacco, over 4000 chemicals are
released and absorbed into your bloodstream. This is why smoking is so dangerous.
This is also why companies must include health warnings on cigarette packages
sold in Canada.
When you smoke tobacco, nicotine and other dangerous toxins enter your
bloodstream through your lungs. When you stand near a smoker, you breathe in
the air filled with dangerous smoke as though you are smoking. When you chew
tobacco, all chemicals get absorbed by the skin in your mouth and travel through to
your bloodstream.
Why do people use tobacco?
Some people use tobacco on a daily basis because they think it helps them relax.
Others use it only on social occasions, such as when having beer with friends
or trying to build new friendships. They feel cigarettes make them appear more
mature, tough, or even interesting to others. Certain people use cigarettes to curb
their appetite. The truth is that many people simply smoke because they have a
dependence on nicotine. So, even if they want to stop, they may find it difficult.
Teens and tobacco use
Teens are into tobacco for many of the same reasons as adults, though most don’t
realize the downside to smoking.
It is important to know that:
1
Most new smokers get their first cigarette from someone they know. Kids who
grow up with parents or relatives who smoke are more likely to start smoking
too.
2
Most teens who smoke regularly continue to smoke well into their 20s (and
beyond).
3
In BC it is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under the age of 19!
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How common is tobacco use in British Columbia?
• About 20% of Canadians smoke, compared with 50% four decades ago (a
reduction greater than any other substance in the past 20 years).
• Around 19% of youth between the ages of 15 and 19 smoke cigarettes in BC.
How does tobacco affect a person?
When a person has a cigarette their blood pressure and heart rate increase. At the
same time, the flow of blood to their feet and extremities decreases. The person
might lose their breath easily, cough or wheeze.
New smokers sometimes get dizzy or vomit after smoking a cigarette. They may also
get diarrhea or experience abdominal cramps. If they have a cold or asthma, their
symptoms may get worse.
Smoking can make people smell really bad, particularly their hair, clothes and
breath. Later, smokers experience problems with their teeth and gums; some even
get yellow stains on their fingers.
Over time and regular use, smokers can develop a physical, emotional and social
dependence on tobacco. This means that their bodies crave nicotine. They may feel
relief when they have another cigarette, but it is only temporary. The craving comes
back again and again.
People with a dependence on cigarettes tend to turn to tobacco whenever they
feel something – sadness, anger, or boredom. Other develop smoking habits that
are linked to studying, working or socializing. People who smoke may not always
recognize their dependence on using tobacco.
THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF TOBACCO USE
IMPORTANT: The longer a person smokes, the greater his or her chances of
developing a serious smoking-related illness.


Smoking has been linked to a variety of cancers, damage to the cardiovascular
system, respiratory diseases, as well as stomach problems and weak bones.

People who are dependent on tobacco may experience withdrawal symptoms
when they cut down or stop using it. Symptoms can include agitation or
nervousness, sleep disturbances, loss of concentration, headaches, coughing
or cravings. Quitting smoking at any time has immediate noticeable benefits,
and over time can greatly reduce the health risks of smoking.
Half of all smokers die prematurely. A regular smoker loses an average of 15
years of life expectancy. It is by far the leading cause of premature death in
Canada, killing 3 times more people than alcohol, car accidents, suicide and
homicide combined.
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grade 6 - p. 29
METHAMPHETAMINE fact sheet
Methamphetamine: what’s in it and how it works
Methamphetamine is a powerful drug – a stimulant. Like all
stimulants, including coffee and cocaine, methamphetamine
increases the activity of your nervous system, speeding up your heart
rate and breathing, and stimulating the brain.
Methamphetamine comes in many forms: pills, capsules, powder,
or crystals (which look like shards of ice or glass). Most commonly,
people smoke or swallow it. Some people may snort or inject it. The
effects of the drug can last for an entire day.
Some methamphetamine pills are manufactured legally by
pharmaceutical companies. Most methamphetamine however is made
in makeshift operations by people who don’t always know how to
make it properly. These manufacturers may use chemicals extracted
from products they buy in stores, such as iodine, drain cleaner, paint
thinner, or camping fuel. In Canada, it is illegal to make, sell, buy, or
use methamphetamine, unless prescribed by a doctor.
forms of
meth:...
M
Pills / Capsules
Powder
Why do people use methamphetamine
Some adults might use methamphetamine because they think it
will give them extra energy to help them work or study harder. Other
people use the drug for recreational reasons (such as at parties).
Some people might just be curious, or use it as an attempt to relieve
boredom. There are people who use methamphetamine for medical
reasons, such as for Parkinson’s disease.
Crystals
Teens and methamphetamine
Teens may try methamphetamine for many of same reasons as adults, though
they might not realize the downside of drug use. Some teens may experiment with
methamphetamine because they are curious. They may have heard about the high
they can get. Or they may have heard it can help them study. Some may want to
experiment and see if the drug makes them more social.
Methamphetamine is especially harmful to young people. A teen’s brain is not fully
developed. Regular use of methamphetamine can cause brain damage.
How common is methamphetamine use in BC?
• Approximately 5% of BC public school students in Grades 7 through 12 have
tried methamphetamine.
• The vast majority of students (86%, according to one survey) have never used
any of the “party drugs”, which include methamphetamine and ecstasy.
p. 30 - grade 6
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How does methamphetamine affect a person?
Methamphetamine affects brain activity by binding strongly with the pleasure receptors
in the brain. A low dose of methamphetamine may produce the following effects: an
increase in energy and alertness, increased feelings of self-confidence, reduced appetite
and improved mental and physical performance.
These effects diminish and change with high dose and frequent use. Happiness becomes
crankiness. Energy becomes tiredness. Alertness becomes poor memory. Confidence
becomes depression. People who use a lot of methamphetamine may begin to feel
extremely anxious and miserable.
Over time, people may lose interest in their appearance. They can develop tooth and gum
problems, or skin sores. They may grind their teeth, or experience tremors, hostility or
paranoia.
Risks of using methamphetamine
Buying and using methamphetamine off the street is risky! Some of the people who make
the drug add things that don’t belong to make the production cheaper so they can make
more money. This also makes the drug even more dangerous.
Regular use of methamphetamine can lead to a need to use more of the drug to achieve
the desired effect. This is called tolerance. As a person develops tolerance, their risk of
developing dependence to methamphetamine greatly increases. Dependence involves
the need to use a drug in order to feel normal and function properly.
METHAMPHETAMINE USE IS PARTICULARLY RISKY WHEN A PERSON IS:




Mixing methamphetamine with other drugs. Mixing is extremely dangerous
because it can lead to overdose and death.
Using needles. People who inject the drug are more likely to become dependent or
get a serious disease, such as AIDS or Hepatitis C.
Pregnant or breastfeeding. Expectant or breastfeeding women should never use
the drug. Methamphetamine can have negative effects on baby’s development and
growth.
A long-term heavy user. Persons who use significant doses of methamphetamine
for a long time may stop taking care of their hygiene, or eating and sleeping
properly. This combined with the drug’s impact on the brain can lead to significant
brain and organ damage. Symptoms of long-term use include:
• Hearing or seeing things that are not there
• Repetitive behaviour patterns, like picking at your skin, or pulling your hair
• Formication (the feeling that there are bugs crawling on your skin)
• Paranoid thoughts that can lead a person to be aggressive
• Thoughts about hurting yourself or others
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grade 6 - p. 31