S3.3.8 For the adult

Drugs, alcohol and health

What do tobacco, alcohol and medicines do to my body?

What this chapter teaches

A drug is anything other than food that changes how the body works. Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can harm the lungs, heart, liver and brain, and a person can find it hard to stop. A medicine helps only when it is taken as directed by a health worker or the label. A learner can always ask an adult they trust, or a health worker, for help.

Three questions to ask

There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.

  1. What is the difference between a medicine and other drugs?
  2. Why must a medicine be taken only as the label or a health worker says?
  3. Who could you ask if you or a friend were worried about a drug?

After the chapter, the learner can

  • Explain how tobacco, alcohol and other drugs harm body systems
  • Explain why medicines must be taken only as directed

What they copy into their notebook

Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can harm the lungs, heart, liver and brain. Addiction is a health problem. Take a medicine only as directed. Ask a trusted adult or a health worker for help.

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