Lesson Title: Effects of Drugs – Understanding the Physical, Social and Emotional Impact (PSHE / Health Education)
This impactful KS4 PSHE lesson explores the risks and consequences of recreational drug use. Students learn about the short- and long-term effects of substances such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin through real-life case studies and structured analysis. The lesson also addresses peer pressure, addiction, and how to seek help.

Lesson Aims:

Understand where drugs come from and how they affect the body and mind

Identify the physical and emotional effects of common recreational drugs (e.g. cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin)

Explore reasons why young people might experiment with drugs (e.g. peer pressure, escapism, boredom)

Analyse the risks of drug use including addiction, mental health issues, and legal consequences

Examine real-life stories to build empathy and raise awareness (e.g. Peaches Geldof, Danniella Westbrook)

Learn how to support someone with a drug problem and where to get help

Encourage informed decision-making and personal responsibility

Ideal for KS4 PSHE, RSE, or personal safety units. Includes retrieval tasks, matching exercises, case studies, and discussion prompts.