Aarav, a 22-year-old in Pune, began taking cocaine at parties. Within a year he was intoxicated for most of the day, missed work and quarrelled with his friends. He forgot what he had been told a few minutes earlier and could not keep his attention on a task. He now needs more of the drug to get the same 'high'. When he tried to stop for a week, he felt low, tired, irritable and anxious, and could not sleep. His sister Meera, a dance student, has started skipping meals because her teachers praise thin dancers.
The drug Aarav uses belongs to which group of commonly abused substances?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Stimulants
Option (1) Stimulants — Correct. Aarav takes cocaine. Cocaine is grouped with dextroamphetamines and metaamphetamines as a stimulant, a drug that speeds up the body and mind.
Option (2) Opioid — Incorrect. Opioids are drugs such as morphine, heroin, cough syrup and painkillers. Cocaine is not placed in this group.
Option (3) Hallucinogens — Incorrect. Hallucinogens are drugs such as LSD and mescaline, which change what a person sees and feels. Cocaine is not one of them.
Option (4) Inhalants — Incorrect. Inhalants are fumes breathed in from gasoline, glue, paint thinners or spray paints.
NCERT (2026-27): “Cocaine … “Commonly Abused Substances (Following the” “: dextroamphetamines, metaamphetamines, cocaine : coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, analgesics, chocolate, cocoa” |