Saying no, and why the changes happen

Some people, even friends, may tempt or push you to try tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, beedi, alcohol or drugs. At an age full of curiosity, 'just once to see' can sound harmless.

It is not. These things are addictive: after a few times the body and mind start craving them again and again, until they are used regularly. That is called substance abuse.

They cause serious harm: breathing problems, memory loss, damaged lungs (the book shows healthy lungs beside lungs blackened by smoking).

Say NO the first time and every time. Everyone who is addicted today started with 'just one time'. Say it firmly and walk away; even standing near smokers means breathing their smoke.

If someone is already caught, the first step is to ask for help: family, friends, a parent or teacher; counselling and doctors help too. The government's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan spreads awareness, and the National De-addiction Helpline is 14446.

Why do all these changes happen? Mostly because of hormones: chemicals made in different parts of the body. When the time is right, the brain sends a signal, and the hormones are released into the body, like a postman carrying a message. They control growth and development, and some affect mood and behaviour too.