Q4. Do you think that friends can influence one to take alcohol or drugs? If yes, how may one protect oneself from such an influence? (NCERT Exercise 15, page 148.)
Yes: NCERT names peer pressure among the factors associated with drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents (page 144). Protection, from NCERT’s measures (pages 146–147): resist undue peer pressure, since every child has his or her own choice and personality; seek help from parents, peers and close, trusted friends, who can guide and with whom one can talk about anxiety; channel energy into sports, reading, music, yoga and other activities; and seek professional help if needed.
Q5. In your view, what motivates youngsters to take to alcohol or drugs, and how can this be avoided? (NCERT Exercise 17, page 148.)
Motives NCERT names: curiosity, the need for adventure and excitement, experimentation, perceived benefits, escape from problems, stress from academics and examinations, the image of being ‘cool’ promoted by media, unstable or unsupportive families and peer pressure (page 144). Avoidance: nurturing and consistently disciplined parenting, no undue pressure, education and counselling, help from parents and peers, watching for danger signs, and professional and medical help (pages 146–147).
Q6. Name the plant from which cocaine is obtained, and say where it is native.
The coca plant, Erythroxylum coca, native to South America (NCERT page 143).
Q7. How does smoking cause oxygen deficiency in the body?
It increases the carbon monoxide content of the blood and reduces the concentration of haem-bound oxygen (NCERT page 144).
Q8. Give two side effects of anabolic steroids that NCERT lists for females and two for males.
Females, any two of: masculinisation, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth on the face and body, enlargement of the clitoris, deepening of the voice. Males, any two of: acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, reduction in the size of the testicles, decreased sperm production, potential for kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature baldness, enlargement of the prostate gland (NCERT page 146).