Lesson 13.2: Illicit Drugs

Overview

This lesson focuses on illicit drugs which essentially do one of three things: stimulate the central nervous system, depress the central nervous system, or cause hallucinations. Why teens use illicit drugs, how illicit drugs can increase risky behaviors, and warning signs of illicit drug use are discussed.

Learning Targets

  • LO5: Differentiate between a prescription drug and an illicit drug.
  • LO6: Identify the different types of drugs based on a description.
  • LO7: Explain why some teens use illicit drugs.
  • LO8: Recognize five warning signs of teen drug use.

Preparation

For the Warm-Up Activity: Write the Journal Question on the board or identify (and copy as needed) the worksheets you plan to use:

For the Content Focus: Open the Lesson 13.2 PowerPoint slides or make copies of the Lesson 13.2 Note-Taking Guide.

For the Lesson Focus: Copy the Lesson 13.2 Skill-Building Challenge Worksheet: Making Healthy Decisions.

Warm-Up Activity

Select a warm-up activity to help get your class focused and on task.

  • Journal Question: Make three columns on your paper. Head one of the columns “Stimulants,” one “Depressants,” and one “Hallucinogens”. Under each column, list as many illicit drugs as you can think of that would fall into each of the three categories. Compare your answers to the illicit drugs discussed in the lesson to see if you were correct.
    • Option: Write or project the question and have students respond in their journal or on their “bell ringer” sheet as they enter class.
    • Option: Have students discuss the question with a partner or in a small group.
  • Vocabulary Review: Have students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups to complete the Lesson 13.2 Vocabulary Review Worksheet.
  • Quiz: Have students complete the Lesson 13.2 Quiz to assess their prior knowledge.
    • Option: Collect the quiz and use it alongside a posttest to demonstrate student learning.
    • Option: Have students share their answers with a partner and then go over the answers together as a class.

Lesson Content

Review the content from the textbook lesson.

Lesson Focus: Making Healthy Decisions

  1. Give each student a copy of the Lesson 13.2 Skill-Building Challenge Worksheet: Making Healthy Decisions.
  2. Have students work individually to complete the worksheet using the decision making steps.
  3. Ask students to pair up and share their responses.

Challenge Activity

Have students needing an additional challenge work on the following Thinking Critically task.

Brainstorm with a partner five reasons you think teens use illicit drugs. Then brainstorm one healthy alternative for each reason.

Reflection and Summary

Review the critical content from today’s lesson. Review the learning targets and ask students to answer each question posed.

Can you...

  • Differentiate between a prescription drug and an illicit drug?

    A prescription drug is legally prescribed by a doctor, bought at a pharmacy, regulated by the FDA, and has a low risk for addiction or side effects when used correctly. An illicit drug is illegal to possess, has no medical use, can be dangerous to take, has no government regulation, and often is addictive with multiple side effects.

  • Identify the different types of drugs based on a description?
    • Marijuana is a mind-altering psychoactive drug made from the Cannabis sativa plant.
    • Stimulants speed up the body’s systems. This class of drugs includes prescription drugs, such as amphetamines used to treat ADHD; OTC drugs; diet pills; and illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
    • Opioids, or narcotics, are naturally found in the opium poppy plant. This class of drugs includes the illicit drugs heroin and fentanyl which can be used legally for pain relief, as well as pain relievers available by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.
    • Inhalants are invisible, dangerous substances found in common household products (felt-tip markers, air freshener, etc.) that produce chemical vapors that are inhaled through the nose or mouth to produce mind-altering effects.
    • Anabolic steroids are a lab-created version of the male hormone testosterone and are widely used illegally to promote muscle growth, enhance athletic performance, and improve physical appearance. Legally, sometimes anabolic steroids are used medically to treat delayed puberty and muscle loss.
    • Hallucinogens are among the oldest known group of drugs used for their ability to alter human perception and mood. These drugs include LSD and PCP.
    • Club drugs, also referred to as date rape drugs, are often used at parties, concerts, and clubs by teens and young adults. They are primarily in pill or liquid form and are mixed in a beverage. Examples include MDMA, GHB, and rohypnol.
    • Depressants, when prescribed by a doctor and used properly, can calm nerves, relax muscles, and help people sleep. Two examples of depressants are the benzodiazepines Ativan, Valium, and Xanax, which are used to treat anxiety disorders.
  • Explain why some teens use illicit drugs?

    Teens use illicit drugs for a variety of reasons including to fit in, feel good, forget problems, to be more focused and alert, relieve boredom, and fulfil their curiosity about the drug.

  • Recognize five warning signs of teen drug use?

    Warning signs of teen drug use include the following:

    • Making poor decisions
    • Sudden change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, or academic performance
    • Missing school or extracurricular activities
    • Making poor decisions, being irresponsible, and having a general lack of interest in anything
    • Breaking rules or withdrawing from friends and family
    • Acting secretive
    • Sudden mood swings

Assessment

Complete one or more of the following assessment tasks for this lesson.

Take It Home

Ask older family members which illicit drugs were most commonly used when they were in high school. How do the drugs from then compare with today’s drugs? Ask your family member if they could give you some reasons why illicit drugs were used when they were in high school and analyze whether the reasons are the same or different now.