# Teaching Elementary School Health Education/Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Topics to focus on in this area of health:

## Alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and it is the central nervous system that is most severely affected by alcohol. When ingested, alcohol passes from the stomach into the small intestine, where it is rapidly absorbed in the blood and distributed throughout the body. As blood alcohol concentration increases, a person's response to stimuli decreases markedly; speech becomes slurred, and he or she becomes unsteady and has trouble walking. With very high concentration, a person can become comatose and die. When consumed in large amounts over time, alcohol can harm virtually every organ in your body.

##### Alcohol and its effects

* Blood Alcohol Concentration
* Impaired judgment
* Aggressive Behavior
* Wrong Decisions
* Intensified Emotions
* Different systems (nervous, digestive, etc.)

##### Effects of drinking while pregnant

* Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
* Low birth weight

##### Alcohol and violence

* Domestic
* Lawbreaking
* Rape
* Drinking and Driving
* Alcoholism and effects on family

##### Problems with

* Relationships
* Money
* Jobs

## Tobacco

Smoking tobacco harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and affecting the health of smokers in general. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for you and your loved ones. Smokeless tobacco is also a significant health risk and is not a safe substitute for smoking cigarettes. The two main types of smokeless tobacco in the United States are chewing tobacco and snuff. Although some forms of snuff can be used by sniffing or inhaling into the nose, most smokeless tobacco users place the product in their cheek or between their gum and cheek.

##### Effects of smoking

* Cancer
* Respiratory Diseases
* Cardiovascular Diseases
* Accidents (fires)

##### Effects of secondhand smoke

Effects of Second Hand Smoking
* Stimulants
* Depressants
* Death
* Increased Risk of HIV
* Dependency
* Harms the brain
* Risk and protective factors
* Warning Signs (blank stare, slurred speech)
* Lack of self respect
* Peer Pressure
* How to say "NO"
* Practice Resistance

## Drugs

Drugs are substances that change the way your brain and body work. Drugs can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked, or injected. Whichever way drugs are taken, they end up in your bloodstream and go to all parts of your body. Many drugs are illegal, meaning it is against the law to have them. Prescription drugs are given to you by a doctor if you have an injury, illness, or other health condition. You must follow your doctor's directions on how to take your medicine. Do NOT take someone else's prescription medicine or share your medicine with others. This isn't legal or safe. You do not need a doctor's prescription to buy over-the-counter (OTC) drugs at a pharmacy or grocery store. OTC drugs are used for colds, pain, and other health problems. You must follow the directions on how to take your medicine. You must take caution in taking any prescription or OTC drug. If abused, both types of drugs can be deadly.

### How drugs can affect your body if misused

* Immediate death
* Body tremors
* Vomiting
* Racing heart
* Increased alertness
* Quickened movements
* Confused
* Anxious
* Aggressive
* Paranoid
* Hallucination
* Dependence - Can not function without the drug
* Increase risk of being infected with HIV and Hepatitis B
* Impair reasoning and judgment
* Increase feelings of anger and aggressiveness leading to violence, accidents, and crime
* Teeth grinding
* Wearing down of the enamel

### Different types of drugs

* Cocaine
* Coke
* Blow
* Gold dust
* White lady
* Snow
* Crack - Purified Cocaine
* Amphetamines - Diet pills
* Look-alike-drug - Amphetamines contain large amounts of legal, nonprescription stimulants
* Methamphetamine
* Meth
* Crank
* Crystal meth
* Crystal tea
* Crystal
* Ice
* Methcanthinone
* Cat
* Bathtub speed
* Wildcat
* Goob
* Jeff
* Ephedrine
* MDMA
* Ecstasy
* XTC
* E
* X
* Adam
* Methylphenidate - Used to treat ADHD
* Caffine
* Sedatives and Hypnotics
* Roofies
* Barbs
* Bank bandits
* Ludes
* Reds
* Blockbusters
* GHB
* Morphine
* Codeine
* Heroin
* Black-tar heroin
* Smack
* Junk
* Horse
* Chiva
* Oxycontin
* LSD
* Blotter acid
* Acid
* Trips
* Lucy
* Diamonds
* microdots
* PCP
* Angel dust
* Zombie
* Rocket fuel
* Hog
* Ketamine
* Special K
* Vitamin K
* K
* Cat valium
* Bunp
* Mescaline
* Psilocybin
* Magic mushrooms
* Shrooms
* Mushrooms
* Marijuana
* Chronic
* Reefer
* Ganja
* Mary Jane
* Pot
* Grass
* Weed
* Hashish
* Steroids
* Inhalants

### Warning Signs of Drug Uses

* Slurred speech
* Reddened eyes and use of eye drops
* Glassy eyes and a blank stare
* A sloppy appearance
* Use of breath fresheners
* A long-term runny nose and sniffling
* Having friends who use drugs
* Giving up friends who do not use drugs
* Joining a gang
* Skipping school
* Poor school performance
* Missing money or objects or value
* Changing eating habits
* Mood swings and hostility
* A lack of energy and motivation