National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What is the classification of a narcotic?

1. A psychoactive substance that induces sleep

2. A stimulant drug

3. A substance derived from the Opium poppy

4. A hallucinogenic compound

The correct answer is: A substance derived from the Opium poppy

The classification of a narcotic primarily refers to substances that are derived from the opium poppy or are chemically similar to these compounds. This includes opiates like morphine and codeine, which are directly extracted from the poppy plant, as well as synthetic drugs that mimic their effects. This classification is rooted in the traditional use of opiates for pain relief and their morphine-like properties, which can lead to sedation and pain alleviation. While the other choices describe various drug types, they do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a narcotic. Psychoactive substances that induce sleep may overlap with narcotics but don't encompass the entire definition, as not all narcotics are solely sleep-inducing. Stimulant drugs and hallucinogenic compounds represent entirely different classes of substances, with opposing effects compared to narcotics. Thus, the most comprehensive and accurate description of narcotics is their derivation from the opium poppy.