Understanding addiction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what drug addiction is and how it affects people.
Key learning points
- Addiction means being unable to stop taking an addictive substance because of the feelings or experiences it creates.
- Dependency means relying on an addictive substance to feel normal, to socialise or to relax, and struggling without it.
- People with addictions are unwell but can get better with the right support.
- It is important to seek support if loved ones are experiencing addiction.
Keywords
Drug - a substance that affects the way our body or mind work
Substance - a solid, liquid or gas that affects the way our body or mind works, e.g., caffeine, illegal drugs, alcohol
Addictive - if something is addictive, it makes you want to keep using it, even if it’s not good for you
Addiction - when someone can’t stop doing something, even if it’s not good for them
Dependency - relying on a drug to feel ‘normal’, socialise or relax
Common misconception
People who are addicted to or take drugs are bad people.
People who experience addiction are not bad people - they are unwell and need support to get better.
Teacher tip
Good drugs education focuses on being informed about the risks of drug-taking and addiction. Emphasise the importance of compassion and being non-judgemental towards people experiencing drug addiction.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.At what age is it legal to buy cigarettes and vapes?
Q2.It is for someone over the age of 18 to buy cigarettes or vapes for someone under the age of 18.
Q3.Match the word with its definition.
a substance in cigarettes
an addictive drug that cigarettes contain
makes you want to keep using it or doing it
an electronic cigarette
Q4.Which statements about vaping are false?
Q5.Which substance in cigarettes can stain your teeth and fingers?
Q6.What does vaping involve?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word with its definition.
a substance that affects the way our body or mind work
makes you want to keep using it, even if it's not good for you
relying on a drug to feel ‘normal’, socialise or relax
when someone can’t stop doing something even if it’s not good for them
Q2.Which statement about addiction is true?
Q3.What can we do if we are worried about someone's addiction or behaviour?
Q4.If someone stops taking an addictive substance, they can experience symptoms.
Q5.How can addiction happen?
Q6.How can someone with a drug addiction get better?
To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Understanding addiction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Understanding addiction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Risky substances: Why do people get addicted? unit, dive into the full primary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.