Activity Overview
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:
- Addiction
- Drug use
- Drug abuse
- Drug misuse
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard showing the differences between drug addiction, drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse.
- Click "Start Assignment."
- In the title boxes, write the vocabulary words discussed in class.
- Come up with your own definition and type it in the description box.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use | One cell clearly depicted a visual of healthy drug use. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey proper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell depicted a visual of healthy drug use. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey proper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of healthy drug use was not provided. |
| Abuse | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug abuse. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey intentional improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug abuse. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey intentional improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of drug abuse was not provided. |
| Misuse | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug misuse. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey accidental improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug misuse. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey accidental improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of drug misuse was not provided. |
| Addiction | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug addiction. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey harmful use of a substance regardless of negative consequences. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug addiction. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey harmful use of a substance regardless of negative consequences. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of drug addiction was not provided. |
| Use of Conventions | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates understanding different aspects of drug use. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content. |
Activity Overview
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:
- Addiction
- Drug use
- Drug abuse
- Drug misuse
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard showing the differences between drug addiction, drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse.
- Click "Start Assignment."
- In the title boxes, write the vocabulary words discussed in class.
- Come up with your own definition and type it in the description box.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use | One cell clearly depicted a visual of healthy drug use. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey proper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell depicted a visual of healthy drug use. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey proper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of healthy drug use was not provided. |
| Abuse | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug abuse. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey intentional improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug abuse. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey intentional improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of drug abuse was not provided. |
| Misuse | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug misuse. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey accidental improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug misuse. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey accidental improper intake of medication. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of drug misuse was not provided. |
| Addiction | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug addiction. The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey harmful use of a substance regardless of negative consequences. The description supports the depiction while providing the definition. | One cell clearly depicted a visual of drug addiction. The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey harmful use of a substance regardless of negative consequences. The description supports the depiction, but does not provide a definition. | A visual of drug addiction was not provided. |
| Use of Conventions | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates understanding different aspects of drug use. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content. |
How Tos about Use, Abuse, Misuse, Addiction - Understand the Terms
Facilitate Safe, Respectful Discussions on Drug Use Terminology
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.
Model Inclusive Language When Talking About Drugs
Use people-first and sensitive language (e.g., "person with addiction" rather than labels) to reduce stigma and encourage empathy among students.
Incorporate Real-World Scenarios for Deeper Understanding
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.
Encourage Reflective Journaling After Lessons
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.
Collaborate on Classroom Norms for Sensitive Topics
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Use, Abuse, Misuse, Addiction - Understand the Terms
What is the difference between drug use, misuse, and abuse?
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.
How can I teach students the terms use, misuse, abuse, and addiction effectively?
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.
Why is it important for students to know the difference between drug use and abuse?
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.
What are some safe ways to discuss addiction and drug misuse in a K-12 classroom?
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.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how is it used in drug education?
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.
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