Differentiating drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse will create a way for students to recognize healthy and unhealthy habits. It’s important to understand the differences between use and abuse, and it also provides students with the vocabulary to discuss these things in class.
Students should define the following words:
When students define words in their own terms using visuals, it helps students get their perspectives across and retain information better. Creating educational scenes rather than inappropriate triggering scenes is important to maintaining a safe environment for all students.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard showing the differences between drug addiction, drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse.
Establish clear ground rules for classroom discussions to create a supportive environment. Let students know they can share or pass, and remind them to be respectful of others' experiences and opinions.
Use people-first and sensitive language (e.g., "person with addiction" rather than labels) to reduce stigma and encourage empathy among students.
Present age-appropriate, realistic scenarios (such as peer pressure or media influence) to help students apply vocabulary in meaningful contexts and recognize healthy vs. unhealthy choices.
Ask students to privately journal about their thoughts and feelings regarding drug use terms and situations. This promotes personal reflection and helps you gauge classroom comfort levels.
Invite students to help set agreements for discussing challenging subjects, so everyone feels safe and heard. Display these norms as a reminder for all future lessons.
Drug use refers to taking a substance as intended or prescribed. Drug misuse means using a drug incorrectly or against guidelines, while drug abuse involves repeatedly using drugs in a harmful way. Understanding these differences helps students recognize healthy versus unhealthy habits.
Use visual vocabulary boards and storyboards that let students define each term in their own words and illustrate examples. This approach supports understanding and retention by engaging students creatively and visually.
Knowing the difference empowers students to make informed choices, recognize unhealthy behaviors, and communicate clearly about substance use—fostering a safer, more supportive classroom environment.
Create educational scenes that avoid triggering content, use age-appropriate language, and encourage discussion through personal definitions and visuals. This ensures students feel safe while learning about sensitive topics.
A visual vocabulary board is an activity where students define key terms, like addiction or misuse, in their own words and illustrate each with drawings or digital scenes. This helps deepen understanding and makes abstract terms more relatable.