Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours Workbook (Grade 8 Health)

This workbook covers the Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours unit in the Grade 8 Ontario Health Curriculum (2019).

In this workbook, students will explore the topic of substance use, including what it is and the problems it can cause. They’ll learn to identify warning signs, understand the influences of substance use, and study the stages of addiction and withdrawal. Topics like alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and their effects will be covered, alongside discussions on mental illness, self-harm, and the dangers of underage drinking, binge-drinking, and drinking and driving. Students will also examine the impact of substance use on academic performance and social life, and explore related issues like online gambling and exposure to sexually explicit media.

There is a variety of readings, short answer questions, and creative thinking activities included to create a varied workbook suitable for many learning styles.

To support assessment practices, Ontario curriculum expectations are clearly identified on each page. A unit test is included at the end of the workbook.