STANDARD 2.3    (DRUGS AND MEDICINES) ALL STUDENTS WILL LEARN AND APPLY INFORMATION ABOUT ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, OTHER DRUGS AND MEDICINES TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. 

 

Descriptive Statement:  This standard aims to provide students with information on the responsible use of medicines as well as the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  The appropriate use of medicines can prevent serious health problems, reduce absenteeism from work and school, and enhance the quality of life.  Conversely, the misuse or abuse of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can impair judgment and lead to illness and injury.  Helping students to acknowledge the internal and external pressures that influence them to use substances enables and empowers them to make choices that support a healthy, active lifestyle.

 

Cumulative Progress Indicators

 

Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 8, students will:

 

A. Medicines

        1. Compare and contrast commonly used over-the-counter medicines.

        2. Classify commonly administered medicines and describe the potential side effects of each classification.

        3. Recommend safe practices for the use of prescription medicines.

        4. Compare and contrast the benefits and dangers of naturally occurring substances, such as herbs, organics, and supplements.

 

B. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

        1. Investigate the relationship between tobacco use and respiratory diseases, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and injuries.

        2. Investigate the health risks posed to nonsmokers by second hand/passive smoking.

        3. Investigate how the use and abuse of alcohol contributes to illnesses such as cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and injuries.

        4. Analyze how the use and abuse of alcohol impacts thinking, reaction time, and behavior.

        5. Describe sudden sniffing syndrome and the resultant brain, nerve, and vital organ damage that can result from the use of inhaled substances.

        6. Compare and contrast the physical and behavioral effects of each classification of drug.

        7. Analyze health risks associated with injecting drug use.

        8. Investigate the legal and financial consequences of the use, sale, and possession of illegal substances.

        9. Discuss how the use of alcohol and other drugs influences decision-making and places one at risk for sexual assault, pregnancy, and STDs.

 

C. Dependency/Addiction and Treatment

        1. Analyze the physical, social, and emotional indicators and stages of dependency.

        2. Discuss ways to quit using substances and discuss factors that support the ability to quit.

        3. Analyze factors that influence the use and abuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

        4. Describe how substance abuse affects the individual, the family, and the community.

        5. Discuss how tolerance, synergistic effects, and antagonistic effects have an impact on the use of drugs and medicines.

        6. Discuss theories about dependency, such as genetic predisposition, gender-related predisposition, and multiple risks.

 

Link to Standard 2.3 Grade 5-6

 

Link to Standard 2.3 High School

 

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