Addiction

Addiction

Target:

The students recognize the psychological and physical development of addiction and understand its far-reaching consequences for individual health and social environments.

Content and Methods:

The worksheet utilizes a multi-methodological approach to explore addiction, starting with a case study of fictional "tweets" to illustrate the gradual progression from first use to dependency. It includes informational texts on the physiological effects and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Learning is reinforced through multiple-choice questions, a crossword puzzle for terminology, and a cloze text regarding social risk factors and prevention.

Competencies:

  • Analyzing the progression of addiction through the evaluation of social media-style narratives.
  • Identifying physical and psychological risks associated with long-term nicotine use.
  • Recognizing social risk factors, such as peer pressure and low self-esteem, that contribute to substance abuse.
  • Understanding the importance of seeking early intervention and support for addiction.

Target Group and Level:

Grade 7 and above.

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61 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

Grade 7 and above

Subjects

Biologynon-subject specific content

Addiction

The path to addiction

📌Read the following tweets carefully and then complete the tasks.

Alex @alex_adventures

Tried my first vape today! It was kinda cool, not gonna lie. #NewExperiences


Alex @alex_adventures

Vaping with friends after school is becoming our thing. Feels chill and fun. #SquadGoals


Alex @alex_adventures

Craving that vape hit during class... can't wait for the break. #NeedItNow


Alex @alex_adventures

Ran out of vape juice today and it sucked big time. Gotta get more ASAP. #AddictedMuch


Alex @alex_adventures

Can't go a day without vaping now. It's like a part of me. #NicotineLife


The Dangers of Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine addiction is a dependency on a substance found in tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes. When people smoke or use these products, nicotine enters their bloodstream and reaches the brain quickly. This creates a short-lived feeling of pleasure and relaxation, making it easy for users to want more. Over time, the brain gets used to nicotine and needs more to feel the same effects, leading to addiction.

Nicotine addiction can have serious physical and mental effects. Physically, it can harm almost every organ in the body. It can lead to an increased heart rate and high blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Long-term use can damage the lungs and lead to diseases like chronic bronchitis or emphysema. It also increases the risk of various cancers, including lung cancer.

Psychologically, nicotine addiction can influence a person's mood and behavior. When someone tries to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and intense cravings. These symptoms can make it very hard to stop using nicotine, even when someone wants to quit.

Nicotine addiction often starts in adolescence, as teens can be more susceptible to peer pressure and the desire to fit in. The earlier someone starts using nicotine, the harder it can be to quit later in life. It's important to be aware of the risks associated with nicotine and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. Understanding these dangers can help make healthier choices and avoid the harmful effects of nicotine.

📝Select the correct answer from the options provided.

Causes, factors, and consequences of addiction

📝 Drag the text elements to the correct positions.

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Information

This worksheet focuses on addiction. Addiction can affect anyone and harms not only one's own health but also those around them. If you notice that you or someone you know is struggling with it, talk to a trusted person like a teacher, parent, or friend. It’s important to seek help early – no one should face this alone. The first step is always to recognize the problem and talk about it openly. There is help available, and there are ways to overcome addiction.