Question

Which of these are commonly abused drugs?

• A. Opioids
• B. Paracetamol
• C. Cannabinoids
• D. Coca alkaloids

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

The correct options are
A Opioids
C Cannabinoids
D Coca alkaloids

Opioids, cannabinoids and coca alkaloids are the commonly abused drugs. These are obtained from flowering plants. Opioids are the drugs which bind to specific opioid receptors present in our central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Example: Heroin, which is derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum.

Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals, which interact with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain. Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa. Example: marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja.

Coca alkaloid is obtained from coca plant Erythroxylum coca, native to South America. It interferes with the transport of the neuro-transmitter dopamine. Example: Cocaine

Paracetamol is a medication used to treat pain and fever.