Grade 7 CRE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY – ALCOHOL,DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE USE Notes

What are alcohol, drugs and substances? 🧴

- Alcohol: drinks like beer, wine and spirits. In Kenya, you must be 18+ to buy or drink.

- Drugs and substances: medicines taken wrongly, illegal drugs, and other things people use to feel different. Many are illegal and dangerous.

Why some children or young people try them 🤔

• Curiosity — wanting to try something new.
• Poverty or peer pressure — to feel part of a group.
• Stress or problems at home — to forget pain.
• Wrong information — thinking it makes them “cool”.

Dangers and effects 😟

What the Bible says (simple)

• Proverbs 20:1 — “Wine can make people silly and cause trouble.” (This warns about drinking too much.)
• Ephesians 5:18 — “Do not get drunk on wine.” (We should be sober and in control.)
• 1 Corinthians 6:19 — “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” (We must take care of our bodies.)

(Use these verses in school memory work or youth group.)

How to say NO — simple ways to respond 🚫

1. Say it clearly: “No, I don’t want to.”
2. Give a reason: “I have school tomorrow,” or “I want to stay healthy.”
3. Suggest something else: “Let’s play football instead.”
4. Walk away if they keep pushing.
5. Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, church leader) right away.

Practice these lines with a friend or in youth group so you are ready.

If a friend or family member is using substances

• Talk kindly and listen — they need help, not mockery.
• Encourage them to see a doctor, counsellor or a church youth leader.
• If they are in danger, tell an adult or call for professional help.
• Do not try medicines or illegal drugs to “help” them — always seek trained help.

Where to get help (Kenya)

If you or someone you know needs help:

• Talk to your parent, guardian, teacher or school counsellor.
• Speak to your church youth leader or pastor.
• National groups like NACADA (National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse) give information and support.
• If it is an emergency, contact local health services or the police.

Good alternatives — things to do instead ✅

Memory Verse & Short Prayer ✝️

Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19 — “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” (Short version for memory.)

Prayer: “Lord, help me keep my body and mind clean. Give me strength to say no and wisdom to help others.”

Quick classroom activity (5–10 minutes)

1. In pairs, practise saying three different ways to say no to a friend.
2. Share one healthy activity you will try this week.
3. End with reading the memory verse together.