New
New
Lesson 4 of 5
  • Year 10

Drugs and risky sexual behaviour

I can explain the impact of drugs on decision-making and risky sexual behaviour.

Lesson 4 of 5
New
New
  • Year 10

Drugs and risky sexual behaviour

I can explain the impact of drugs on decision-making and risky sexual behaviour.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Drugs impair cognitive functions, including decision-making and memory.
  2. Risky sexual behaviours are more likely when under the influence of drugs.
  3. Clear strategies can help avoid risky situations involving drugs and sex.

Keywords

  • Drug - a substance that changes the way bodies and brains work

  • Consent - in this context, a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity which cannot be legally given when someone is heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol

  • Decision-making - the process of making choices, which can be negatively affected by drugs or alcohol

  • Risky sexual behaviour - sexual activities which could lead to an increased chance of STIs, unintended pregnancy or feelings of regret

  • Inhibitions - the body’s way of regulating words and actions, which are reduced or removed under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Common misconception

Drugs and alcohol have no impact on consent.

Drugs and alcohol can make it hard for people to give clear consent because they affect judgement and lower inhibitions.


To help you plan your year 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Drugs and risky sexual behaviour, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Consider discussing: Why might some people feel pressure to use substances in social or intimate situations? How can we challenge the myth that drugs or alcohol are needed to feel confident or have fun? What healthy alternatives exist for managing social anxiety or building genuine confidence?
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
A is a substance that changes the way bodies and brains work.

Correct Answer: minds, brains

Q2.
Match the drug to where it might be found.

Correct Answer:nicotine,cigarettes

cigarettes

Correct Answer:caffeine,tea, coffee and energy drinks

tea, coffee and energy drinks

Correct Answer:alcohol,beer, wine and spirits

beer, wine and spirits

Q3.
A loss of control over doing, taking or using something, even when it is harmful is an:

abduction
affliction
Correct answer: addiction
addition
abolition

Q4.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous criminal offence because it:

Correct answer: leads to poor judgement
Correct answer: could slow reactions
leaves reactions unaffected
improves vision
Correct answer: could cause blurred vision

Q5.
Which of the following is an example of peer pressure?

a disagreement about a difference of opinions
expressing a personal preference for certain hobbies or interests
Correct answer: feeling that you have to behave a certain way because your friends expect it
having the confidence to stand up for what you believe

Q6.
Which of the following might be long-term consequences of alcohol misuse or drug-taking?

Correct answer: breakdown of relationships
improved job prospects
Correct answer: dependency
better mental health
Correct answer: risk-taking behaviour

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following words to the correct definitions.

Correct Answer:consent,a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity

a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity

Correct Answer:decision-making,the process of making choices

the process of making choices

Correct Answer:inhibitions,a protective mechanism to restrain words and actions

a protective mechanism to restrain words and actions

Q2.
Why might people choose to take illegal drugs?

Correct answer: peer pressure
Correct answer: curiosity
prescribed by a doctor
Correct answer: escapism
to improve long-term health

Q3.
The prefrontal cortex of the brain controls and inhibitions.

Correct Answer: decision-making, decisions

Q4.
Which of the following statements are correct?

Correct answer: During sexual activity, each person must give their full consent.
A person under the influence of drugs can legally give consent.
Sexual contact with full consent is an example of risky sexual behaviour.
Correct answer: Drug-taking can influence a person's ability to give consent.
Correct answer: Sexual contact without consent is an example of risky sexual behaviour.

Q5.
Put these phrases in order from the most assertive to the least.

1 - "Stop! This is not ok."
2 - "I don't really agree but will go along with it."
3 - "I'll just do whatever you think is best."

Q6.
Which of the following can help people to avoid risky sexual behaviour?

Correct answer: getting consent before engaging in sexual activity
having unclear boundaries
Correct answer: going out with trusted friends
Correct answer: practising assertive language