Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is one potential risk associated with the street use of prescription drugs?

1. Regulated dosage

2. Risk of overdose

3. No risk if taken as prescribed

4. Always safe in small amounts

The correct answer is: Risk of overdose

The potential risk associated with the street use of prescription drugs primarily revolves around the risk of overdose. When prescription medications are misused, particularly in a non-medical context or without proper supervision from a healthcare provider, individuals may not have accurate information regarding the dosage or the effects of the substance they are using. Prescription drugs often have specific dosing guidelines that are established based on an individual's health profile, including their medical history, current medications, and overall health condition. Without this oversight, individuals using these drugs illicitly may take higher doses than recommended or combine them with other substances, significantly increasing their risk of overdose. Overdose situations can lead to severe health complications or even death, which is a critical concern when these drugs are used outside medical guidelines. The option concerning regulated dosage is incorrect in this context, as street use generally lacks the proper controls that ensure safe and effective use as prescribed by healthcare professionals. The notion that there is "no risk if taken as prescribed" does not apply in street use scenarios, as the context of misuse is inherently unsafe. Lastly, the idea that it is “always safe in small amounts” is misleading; even small amounts of certain prescription drugs can be dangerous if not monitored by a medical professional.