PRMICI Junior High School -
STUDENTS’ LEARNING MODULE IN HEALTH 9
Quarter 2/Week 4/November 9-13, 2020
Name: _________________________________________Section: _________________ LRN:______________
LESSON 4: COMMON MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ON DRUG MISUSE AND
ABUSE
In this lesson, the student will be able to correct myths and
misconceptions about substance use and abuse.
Warming Up!
Try to give one reason why people are taking drugs based on your observations or knowledge.
Build Up!
If you see your friend smoking marijuana with other people, what would you do?
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Let’s Understand!
MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ON DRUG MISUSE AND ABUSE
Myth Number 1: Drug addiction is a character flaw.
Trying out a dangerous drug for the first time is a choice. Abusing drugs lead to addiction. Drug addiction
alters the brain, but it can also lead to social, psychological, and behavioural defects. Each type of drug a person
abuses has a way of changing that person’s brain functions. The abuser becomes heavily dependent on the drug, so
he or she will do everything just to get it. In many cases, this person’s drug dependence negatively affects his or her
relationships with other people.
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Ms. ROSE ANN S. RODRIGUEZ
Health 9 Teacher
PRMICI Junior High School -
Myth Number 2: It only takes one- term treatment to treat drug addiction.
Drug addiction is chronic disease. It depends on how long it requires for a person to be treated. There are
individuals who are fine after a one-term treatment. However, there are others who require longer and repeated
treatments, especially if they have been dependent on the drugs for a long time.
Myth Number 3: People who take drugs usually have problems.
Most people who take drugs take them not because they have problems, but simply because they like the
“pleasurable” effect of the drug.
Myth Number 4: Regular usage of drugs will lead to addiction.
Not all drug users inevitably become drug addicts. Only a small percentage of people who use illegal drugs
develop addiction to them. A study funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that within 10
years of first using a drug:
1. Only about 15% of people who used cocaine become addicted;
2. 12% of people who took alcohol became addicted; and
3. 8% of people who took marijuana became addicted.
Myth Number 5: Licit drugs are safer.
Alcohol and tobacco are more damaging to a person’s health in terms of developing chronic diseases, as
compared to some illegal drugs. However, it is more difficult to get illegal drugs because they are prohibited.
Myth Number 6: Once listed as a misused drug, that particular drug can be controlled.
There is some truth to this myth. However, its production and distribution remain hidden. This makes the
drug more uncontrollable.
Myth Number 7: People who take caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco/cigarettes are not drug users.
People who use these substances are definitely drug users. These substances are categorized as “gateway
drugs.” These substances can actually kill if they are taken in high dosages.
Myth Number 8: Cannabis leads to addiction of “hard” drugs.
Cannabis comes in different varieties. These are varieties used for health treatment but cannabis sativa or
marijuana is the illegal one. The majority of young adults who have used Cannabis have not become addicted and
have not advanced to using “hard” drugs.
Myth Number 9: Stimulants help one focus at school or in work.
Stimulants come in different forms—prescription stimulants such as amphetamines to illegal ones such as
methamphetamine “uppers.” People take them because they think these stimulants will help them earn higher grades
or do better in their jobs. The truth is that the excitement or the rush these drugs provide may turn into paranoia,
hostility, nervousness, or desire to harm oneself or other people.
Myth Number 10: Peddlers or pushers are the ones who mostly supply drugs to first-time users.
Most of the time, individuals who got addicted to illegal drugs got their first drug from a friend, from someone
whom they look up to, or from someone whom they owe.
Substance use or abuse is a choice. So, choose wisely, and be drug-free.
Problem Solver!
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Ms. ROSE ANN S. RODRIGUEZ
Health 9 Teacher
PRMICI Junior High School -
Read and analyse the situation below.
Sarah was caught by her teacher taking drugs. The teacher talked to her and let
her explain why she used such illegal drugs. Sarah said that she has a lot of problems in
life. She used it because she wanted to be free from those problems that make her life
so annoying and useless. She believed that taking drugs can take her problems away.
If you are the teacher, what would you advice to Sarah about what she believed
in?
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Understanding Check!
Write TRUE if the statement is a myth or misconception about drug misuse and abuse and FALSE if not. Write your
answer on the space provided before the number.
_____ 1. People take drugs because they think these stimulants will help them earn higher grades or do better in
their jobs.
_____ 2. Most people take drugs because they have problems,
_____ 3. People who take caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco/cigarettes are not drug users.
_____ 4. Once listed as a misused drug, that particular drug can be controlled.
_____ 5. It takes a never ending treatment to treat drug addiction.
LEARNING RESOURCES:
Curriculum Guide , MELCS, Curriculum Map, internet, Book (Practical MAPEH 9)
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ADDITIONAL LEARNING REFERENCE:
www.shsph.blogspot.com
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Ms. ROSE ANN S. RODRIGUEZ
Health 9 Teacher
