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

Which of the following substances is primarily used to relieve pain?

1. Aspirin

2. Ibuprofen

3. Codeine

4. Acetaminophen

The correct answer is: Codeine

Codeine is primarily used to relieve pain because it is an opioid analgesic, which means it is specifically designed to manage moderate to severe pain effectively. Codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain signals and altering the perception of pain. This mechanism makes it particularly useful in pain management settings, such as post-surgery recovery or chronic pain conditions. While other substances listed, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, are also used for pain relief, they do so through different mechanisms and are often suited for different types of pain. Aspirin and ibuprofen belong to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and pain but may not be as effective for severe pain as codeine. Acetaminophen is effective for mild to moderate pain and works by affecting the brain's pain perception but lacks the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs. Nonetheless, in cases requiring stronger pain relief, especially for more intense discomfort, codeine is the primary choice among these substances.