Curriculum for Excellence

Substance misuse

Learners develop their understanding of the use and misuse of a variety of substances including over the counter and prescribed medicines, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and solvents.  They explore and develop their understanding of the impact of risk-taking behaviour on their life choices.  The experiences and outcomes will enable learners to make informed personal choices with the aim of promoting healthy lifestyles.
Early First Second Third Fourth
I understand there are things I should not touch or eat and how to keep myself safe, and I am learning what is meant by medicines and harmful substances.
I know that there are medicines and some other substances that can be used in a safe way to improve health and I am becoming aware of how choices I make can affect my health and wellbeing.
I understand the effect that a range of substances including tobacco and alcohol can have on the body.
I understand the positive effects that some substances can have on the mind and body but I am also aware of the negative and serious physical, mental, emotional, social and legal consequences of the misuse of substances.
I understand the positive effects that some substances can have on the mind and body but I am also aware of the negative and serious physical, mental, emotional, social and legal consequences of the misuse of substances.
    I know that popular culture, the media and peer groups as well as my own attitudes and values can influence how I feel about substance use and recognise the impact this may have on my actions.
I know that popular culture, the media and peer groups as well as my own attitudes and values can influence how I feel about substance use and recognise the impact this may have on my actions.
Through investigation, I can explain how images of substance use and misuse can influence people's behaviour.
    I know that alcohol and drugs can affect people's ability to make decisions.
I am developing a range of skills which can support decision making about substance use. I can demonstrate strategies for making informed choices to maintain and improve my health and wellbeing and can apply these in situations that may be stressful or challenging, or involve peer pressure.
I am developing a range of skills which can support decision making about substance use. I can demonstrate strategies for making informed choices to maintain and improve my health and wellbeing and can apply these in situations that may be stressful or challenging, or involve peer pressure.
      I know how to access information and support for substance-related issues.
I know how to access information and support for substance-related issues.
    I can identify the different kinds of risks associated with the use and misuse of a range of substances.
After assessing options and the consequences of my decisions, I can identify safe and unsafe behaviours and actions.
After assessing options and the consequences of my decisions, I can identify safe and unsafe behaviours and actions.
      I know that the use of alcohol and drugs can affect behaviour and the decisions that people make about relationships and sexual health.
I know that the use of alcohol and drugs can affect behaviour and the decisions that people make about relationships and sexual health.
I can show ways of getting help in unsafe situations and emergencies.
I know how to react in unsafe situations and emergencies.
I know of actions I can take to help someone in an emergency.
I know the action I should take in the management of incidents and emergencies related to substance misuse.
I know the action I should take in the management of incidents and emergencies related to substance misuse.
    I understand the impact that misuse of substances can have on individuals, their families and friends.
I understand the impact that ongoing misuse of substances can have on a person's health, future life choices and options.
I understand the impact that ongoing misuse of substances can have on a person’s health, future life choices and options.
      Through investigating substance misuse in my local community I can reflect on specific issues, and discuss how they are being addressed.
By researching the impact of substance misuse nationally and internationally I can explain similarities and differences among communities.
        I understand the local, national and international impact of substance misuse.