Life orientation Term 4

What is substance abuse?

Answer: Substance abuse refers to the harmful or excessive use of substances like drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. It involves using these substances in a way that is harmful to the user or others.

What are some legal substances mentioned in the text?

Answer: Legal substances mentioned include:

• Medications like antibiotics provided by doctors and pharmacists

• Over-the-counter medications for cough, cold, sleep, and diet

• Caffeine in tea, coffee, and cola drinks

• Nicotine in cigarettes

• Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and brandy

Why is it illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy alcohol or cigarettes?

Answer: It is illegal for people under 18 to buy alcohol or cigarettes because these substances can have harmful effects on their health, and there are laws in place to protect young people from the risks associated with their use.

What are some examples of substances that are abused to get "high"?

Answer: Some examples of substances abused to get "high" include glue, paint thinners, and petrol. These are typically inhaled to produce a euphoric effect, which is dangerous and harmful to the body.

What is the role of caffeine in substance abuse?

Answer: Caffeine, while legal and commonly consumed in tea, coffee, and cola drinks, is also classified as a drug. Excessive consumption can lead to dependency and health issues, which makes it part of the discussion on substance abuse.

What are illegal substances, and why are they dangerous?

Answer: Illegal substances are drugs that the government prohibits because they pose significant risks to people's health. They can cause addiction, health issues, and even death. Possession or use of these substances can lead to fines or imprisonment.

What is dagga, and how is it commonly used?

Answer: Dagga is made from the dried parts of the cannabis plant and is commonly smoked as a cigarette called a joint, zol, skyf, or reefer. In South Africa, it is widely grown and used.

What are some harmful effects of using dagga?

Answer: People who smoke dagga may experience delayed reaction times, making activities like driving dangerous. Long-term use can lead to heart and lung diseases, and men may become infertile. Dagga users often progress to more harmful drugs.

What is mandrax, and how is it consumed?

Answer: Mandrax, also known as buttons, mandies, or whites, is sold as tablets. Users often crush the tablets, mix the powder with dagga, and smoke the mixture.

What are the effects of using mandrax?

Answer: Mandrax initially makes users feel relaxed and happy for a few hours, but later they may feel weak, have stomach pains, or vomit. Over time, users need more of the drug to achieve the same effect, and they often move on to stronger drugs like cocaine.

What is ecstasy, and why is it popular in nightclubs?

Answer: Ecstasy, known as the "love drug," is popular at rave parties and nightclubs because it gives users a lot of energy to dance for hours. It is often colorful and can resemble sweets, making it dangerous as children might be tricked into taking it.

What are the risks associated with taking ecstasy?

Answer: Some people react severely to the chemicals in ecstasy, leading to coma or even death. The drug's effects vary, and the consequences can be life-threatening.

What is Tik, and where is it commonly used?

Answer: Tik, also known as methamphetamine, is a drug frequently used in the Western Cape. It gives users a strong "high" but leads to addiction quickly.

What are the dangers of using Tik?

Answer: Tik causes intense and aggressive mood swings and can result in brain damage. The addictive nature of the drug makes it especially dangerous.

What is cocaine, and why is it dangerous?

Answer: Cocaine is a white powder that gives users a temporary high, but once the effects wear off, they can fall into depression, leading to addiction. Long-term use can cause heart and lung disease, brain damage, and death from overdose. It is also expensive, leading many users to commit crimes to sustain their addiction.

What are some long-term effects of using cocaine?

Answer: Long-term use of cocaine can result in serious health issues like heart and lung disease, brain damage, and even death due to overdose. The drug’s addictive nature causes many users to develop dependencies and turn to crime.

What is heroin, and why is it particularly dangerous for young people?

Answer: Heroin is a light-brown powder that has effects similar to cocaine and is highly addictive. It is becoming popular among teenagers and young professionals. Children as young as 11 years old are being treated for heroin addiction, and the drug's quick addiction cycle makes it especially dangerous.

What are "Sugars" and "Nyaope"?

Answer: "Sugars" is a heroin-based drug that is highly prevalent in about 70% of Durban households. "Nyaope" is a mixture of dagga and heroin, popular among township youth. Both are highly addictive and can lead to severe health consequences or death from overdose.

What are some of the symptoms of substance abuse in teenagers?

Answer: Symptoms of substance abuse in teenagers include changes in behavior, secrecy, mood swings, declining school performance, withdrawal from friends and family, and physical signs like weight loss or poor hygiene. These changes may signal substance abuse, though they could also be signs of other issues.

What should you do if you notice symptoms of substance abuse in a friend or family member?

Answer: If you notice symptoms of substance abuse in a friend or family member, it's important not to diagnose the problem yourself. Instead, encourage them to seek help from a guidance counselor, social worker, or a trusted adult who can provide the appropriate support and intervention.

What age group is most affected by heroin in South Africa?

Answer: Heroin use is becoming common among teenagers and young professionals, with some children as young as 11 being treated for addiction. The widespread use of heroin-based drugs like "Sugars" and "Nyaope" also affects many young people, particularly in urban and township areas.

Why do people addicted to drugs like cocaine and heroin often turn to crime?

Answer: Drugs like cocaine and heroin are expensive, and as users become more addicted, they require larger quantities to achieve the same effect. To support their addiction, many turn to crime, such as theft or drug trafficking, to pay for these substances.

What are some physical signs of substance abuse?

Answer: Physical signs of substance abuse can include:

• Bad complexion

• Dark circles under the eyes

• Red eyes, possibly frequent use of eye drops

• Persistent cough or frequent colds

• Constant tiredness

• Dizzy spells and shaky hands

• Inflamed nostrils and a runny nose

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns

• Jerky body movements

• Deterioration in personal hygiene

• Smelling of alcohol or drugs

What emotional changes might indicate substance abuse?

Answer: Emotional changes that could indicate substance abuse include:

• Mood swings, from very happy to depressed

• Spending more time alone

• Changes in personality, becoming withdrawn or uncommunicative

• Blaming others for everything

• Low self-esteem and poor judgment

• A focus on oneself

What behavioral changes at school or home could signal substance abuse?

Answer: Behavioral changes that may signal substance abuse include:

• Dropping school grades

• Frequent absences from school

• Discipline problems at home or school

• Starting arguments or being physically abusive

• Adopting a new style of clothes, jewelry, or hair

• Making new friends who refuse to meet family members

• An increased need for money, possibly leading to stealing

• Giving up hobbies or after-school activities like sports

How can substance abuse affect personal relationships?

Answer: Substance abuse can strain relationships by causing the person to isolate themselves, argue more often, and even become physically abusive toward family members and friends. They may also lie, act secretively, and stop engaging in social or family activities.

Why might someone with substance abuse problems have constant tiredness and dark circles under their eyes?

Answer: Constant tiredness and dark circles under the eyes are common symptoms of substance abuse due to disrupted sleep patterns, poor nutrition, and the physical strain that drugs or alcohol put on the body.

How does substance abuse lead to changes in personality?

Answer: Substance abuse can cause significant changes in personality, such as making a previously energetic and outgoing person become withdrawn, depressed, and uncommunicative. These shifts often result from the emotional toll and dependency created by substance use.

What might cause a substance abuser to suddenly adopt a new style in clothing, jewelry, or hair?

Answer: Substance abusers might adopt a new style in clothing, jewelry, or hair to fit in with a new social circle, especially one involved in drug use. It may also reflect a change in self-identity or an attempt to distance themselves from their previous lifestyle.

Why is stealing a common behavior among people who abuse substances?

Answer: People who abuse substances often steal to support their addiction, as drugs and alcohol can be expensive. They may take money or valuables from family members or friends to fund their habit.

What are intrapersonal factors in relation to substance abuse?

Answer: Intrapersonal factors are internal factors within a person that influence their behavior. These factors include low self-esteem, poor self-control, stress, depression, and boredom. They can increase the risk of a person turning to substance abuse to cope with negative emotions or feelings.

What are some common reasons teenagers gave for starting to use drugs according to the survey?

Answer: According to the survey, common reasons teenagers gave for starting to use drugs include:

• To relieve stress

• To keep calm and be relaxed

• To escape or stop the sadness

• To take away pain or feelings of not being good enough

• To deal with loneliness

How does low self-esteem contribute to substance abuse?

Answer: Low self-esteem makes individuals more vulnerable to substance abuse because they may feel inadequate or unworthy. They might use substances to temporarily boost their confidence or to escape feelings of worthlessness.

How can boredom lead to substance abuse?

Answer: Boredom, particularly in teenagers who feel that they have nothing to do after school or are uninterested in school activities, can lead to substance abuse as a way to pass the time or add excitement to their routine.

Why is stress considered a risk factor for substance abuse?

Answer: Stress is a risk factor because when people are overwhelmed by daily pressures or a specific event, they may turn to substances as a coping mechanism to relieve stress and temporarily escape their problems.

What are interpersonal factors?

• Answer: Interpersonal factors refer to the relationships and ability of a person to communicate with others, typically between two or more people.

How does peer pressure contribute to the risk of substance abuse?

• Answer: During adolescence, peers become important in a teenager's life. Teenagers may feel pressure to be accepted or to maintain their status within a group. If they lack decision-making, emotional expression, or problem-solving skills, they may be more likely to follow negative behaviors, such as substance abuse, from their peers.

Why is family environment important in preventing substance abuse?

• Answer: A supportive family environment can provide young people with physical and emotional support, which reduces the risk of substance abuse. However, young people who are homeless, lack secure family support, or experience abuse are at greater risk.

How do social and environmental conditions increase the risk of substance abuse in young people?

• Answer: In poor communities, where many are unemployed, young people who leave school and cannot find work have unstructured free time. This lack of structured activity and guidance puts them at a higher risk of substance abuse.

What skills can help teenagers resist peer pressure?

• Answer: Skills like decision-making, expressing feelings, and problem-solving are crucial in helping teenagers resist peer pressure and avoid substance abuse.

What is the definition of environmental health?

• Answer: Environmental health refers to the aspects of a person's health that include the quality of life and the natural and built environment. It is influenced by physical, chemical, biological, and social factors and involves assessing, controlling, and preventing environmental factors that could negatively affect the health of current and future generations.

What does environmental health encompass?

• Answer: Environmental health encompasses the effects of certain environmental factors on people's health and well-being, including both the natural and built environments.

What are local environmental health problems?

• Answer: Local environmental health problems are health issues that arise directly from a damaged or polluted environment. They can be caused by factors like water pollution and inadequate sanitation.

Why is clean drinking water important for health?

• Answer: Clean and safe drinking water is essential because contaminated water can cause diseases. Lack of proper sanitation and safe water supply in rural areas can lead to serious health risks for the population.

What challenges do people in rural South Africa face regarding water supply?

• Answer: In many rural areas of South Africa, people often do not have proper sanitation facilities or reliable access to safe drinking water. Even when piped water is available, issues such as leaking pipes and lack of maintenance may force people to use unsafe water sources, like rivers.

What actions is the government taking regarding water supply?

• Answer: The government is actively working to provide piped water to everyone in rural areas to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.

What types of waste do people commonly throw away?

• Answer: People commonly dispose of waste such as paper, glass, cans, plastics, food remains (like bones and vegetable peels), disposable nappies, and other materials.

What is a landfill?

• Answer: A landfill is a designated area where waste material is buried under layers of sand. It is where municipalities collect and take waste for disposal.

How can landfill sites pose environmental health hazards?

• Answer: Landfill sites can create environmental health problems when waste breaks down and decomposes, releasing harmful chemicals into the ground and potentially contaminating groundwater, which can affect plants, animals, and humans.

What health issues can communities near landfill sites experience?

• Answer: Communities living close to landfill sites may suffer from burning sore throats and headaches caused by gases emitted from decomposing waste.

What consequences can poorly managed landfill sites have?

• Answer: Poorly managed landfill sites can attract pests like rats, which can spread disease to surrounding areas and make people and animals sick due to the rotting rubbish.

What happened to the Umlazi IV landfill site outside Durban?

• Answer: The Umlazi IV landfill site had to close down because it caused health problems within the community.

Why is Johannesburg's Linbro Park landfill a concern?

• Answer: The Linbro Park landfill is almost full, and once it reaches capacity, the municipality will need to find another location to dispose of 850 tons of waste daily.

What is the definition of a health hazard?

• Answer: A health hazard is a danger that can cause illness or health problems in people.

How can water become polluted?

• Answer: Water can become polluted through contamination from chemicals leaking from landfills, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage.

Why is polluted water a significant environmental health problem?

• Answer: Polluted water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and other serious illnesses, affecting both human and animal health.