Substance Abuse Prevention

Grade 4 · Health · Study Guide

Learn why certain substances are harmful and how to make safe, healthy choices.

Substances like tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs can cause serious harm to the body and brain, especially for kids and young people. Using these substances is called substance abuse when they are used in harmful or unsafe ways. Understanding why these substances are dangerous helps you make smart choices to protect your health.

Tobacco products, including cigarettes and vaping devices, contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, which is addictive. Smoking or vaping damages the lungs and heart and can cause serious diseases. Alcohol is a drug that slows down the brain and body. It is illegal for children and harmful to developing brains. Even one-time use of certain illegal drugs can cause lasting damage or be life-threatening.

Peer pressure is one reason some kids try substances. Peer pressure is when friends or other kids try to convince you to do something, even if it is wrong or dangerous. Learning how to say no confidently is an important skill. You can say things like 'No thanks, that's not for me' or simply walk away.

There are many healthy alternatives to substances for dealing with boredom, stress, or social pressure. Sports, art, music, and spending time with supportive friends are all great options. Talking to a trusted adult about peer pressure or questions about substances is always a safe and smart choice.

Remember: healthy choices today lead to a healthier, happier future.

Key terms

Substance abuse
Using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in ways that are harmful or dangerous
Nicotine
An addictive chemical found in tobacco products like cigarettes and vaping devices
Peer pressure
When people your age try to convince you to do something, sometimes things that are unsafe or wrong
Addiction
When the body or mind becomes dependent on a substance and it is very hard to stop using it
Refusal skills
Strategies and words you can use to say no to harmful substances or unsafe situations
Consequences
The results or effects that follow an action, especially the harmful effects of substance use

Flashcards

Substance abuse
Using drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances in dangerous ways
Nicotine
The addictive chemical in tobacco products that makes them hard to quit
Peer pressure
Influence from people your own age that may push you toward unsafe choices
Addiction
When a person cannot stop using a substance even though it is harmful
Refusal skills
Ways of saying no clearly and confidently to protect yourself from harm
Alcohol
A drug found in drinks like beer and wine; illegal for children and harmful to the brain
Tobacco
A plant used to make cigarettes and other products; contains harmful chemicals including nicotine
Consequences
What happens as a result of a choice, such as health problems from substance use

Questions

  1. What is peer pressure?

    1. Pressure from teachers to study
    2. When friends or others try to convince you to do something
    3. Pressure from carrying a heavy backpack
    4. Feeling nervous about a test
    Show answer

    Answer: When friends or others try to convince you to do something

    Peer pressure is when other people, especially those your own age, try to convince you to act in a certain way.

  2. Tobacco and cigarettes are safe for kids to try.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Tobacco products contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that damage the lungs and heart, especially in young people.

  3. Knowing how to say no to dangerous substances is called using ______ skills.

    Show answer

    Answer: refusal

    Refusal skills are strategies that help you say no clearly and confidently when pressured to do something harmful.

  4. Which of the following is a healthy way to handle peer pressure?

    1. Doing whatever your friends say
    2. Saying no confidently and walking away
    3. Trying substances just once to fit in
    4. Staying quiet and going along with it
    Show answer

    Answer: Saying no confidently and walking away

    Saying no confidently and leaving the situation protects you while showing that you are in charge of your own choices.

  5. Alcohol is a drug that can affect the brain and is illegal for children.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    Alcohol is a drug that slows the brain, is illegal for minors, and is especially damaging to developing brains.

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