RISK BEHAVIOR Life orientation for grade 8 By

RISK BEHAVIOR Life orientation for grade 8 By: Phumzile Tshabalala and Noluthando Nkosi

IN THIS LESSON YOU WILL LEARN: v What are risk behaviors v Learn and know the different types of risk behaviors v How are these behaviors common with your daily lives v How to use the tools given to change your lifestyle for the better

WHAT ARE RISK BEHAVIORS v It is a behaviour that puts you at risk for a bad consequence these include the following: v Alcohol and drug abuse v Sexual behaviour v Lack of physical exercise These are just some of the risk behaviors, the risk behaviour we are focusing on this week is Alcohol and Drug abuse.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE v Many teens try alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Some teens try these substances only a few times and stop. Others can't control their urges or cravings for them. This is substance abuse. v Teens may try a number of substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, household chemicals (inhalants), prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and illegal drugs. Teens use alcohol more than any other substance. Marijuana is the illegal drug that teens use most often.

CONTINUE… v Why do teens abuse drugs and alcohol? v Teens may use a substance for many reasons. They may do it because: • They want to fit in with friends or certain groups. • They like the way it makes them feel. • They believe it makes them more grown up. Teens often find themselves in trouble after using drugs.

THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE. v Drug abuse at any age can cause serious health effects, but teens who abuse drugs are at particular risk for negative consequences. Teens who abuse drugs are more likely to struggle with addiction later in life and have permanent and irreversible brain damage. Some other common negative effects of teen drug abuse are: * Emotional problems. Drug abuse can cause or mask emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts and schizophrenia. In fact, among teens with major depression, 34. 6 percent report using drugs. Unfortunately, drug use can also increase the severity of these emotional problems. For example, teens that use marijuana weekly double their risk of depression and anxiety.

CONTINUE… • Behavioural problems. Teens who abuse drugs have an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence. According to a recent survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, teens who abuse drugs are more likely than teens who don’t abuse drugs to engage in delinquent behaviours such as fighting and stealing. • Addiction and dependence. Studies prove that the younger a person is when they begin using drugs the more likely they are to develop a substance abuse problem and relapse later in life.

CONTINUE… • Risky sex. Teens that use drugs are five times more likely to have sex than teens who don’t use drugs. Teens that use drugs are also more likely to have unprotected sex and have sex with a stranger. This leads to higher risks of STDs, teen pregnancy and sexual assault. • Brain damage. Drug abuse among teens can result in serious mental disorders or permanent, irreversible damage to the brain or nervous system. Brain damage among teens who abuse drugs includes brain shrinkage; impaired learning abilities; amnesia and memory problems; impaired reasoning, perception and intuition; increased or decreased socialization; and changes in sexual desire.

COMMON SIGNS THAT A TEENAGER IS ABUSING DRUGS. v Problems with the law, such as DUI, breaking curfew, stealing, etc. v Problems at school, such as excessive tardiness, poor grades, suspension, etc. v Mood swings v Loss of interest in favourite activities v Drug paraphernalia v Violent behaviour v Withdrawal v Depression v Poor hygiene v Missing money

HOW AND WHERE TO GET HELP v Alcoholics Anonymous : 021 510 2288 v UCT Child Guidance Clinic: 021 650 3900 v UCT Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Unit: 021 685 4103 v Life Line (24 hour hotline and counselling): 086 132 2322

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CONCLUSION Check out our video Based on this topic. Thank you!!!