Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which type of drug is commonly referred to as an opioid?

1. Marijuana

2. LSD

3. Heroin

4. Cocaine

The correct answer is: Heroin

Heroin is classified as an opioid because it is a synthetic derivative of morphine, which is a naturally occurring opioid found in the opium poppy. Opioids are substances that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and body, resulting in pain relief and feelings of euphoria. This characteristic makes heroin part of the opioid category, which also includes medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. In contrast, marijuana is primarily known for its psychoactive properties due to THC, not for being an opioid. LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood, and cognitive processes but does not share the pain-relieving properties of opioids. Cocaine is a stimulant, affecting the central nervous system by increasing energy and alertness rather than providing the pain-relieving effects associated with opioids. Hence, heroin is distinctly recognized within the opioid classification.