Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which substance is known to cause physical addiction?

1. PCP

2. Marijuana

3. Heroin

4. LSD

The correct answer is: PCP

Heroin is well-documented as a substance that causes physical addiction due to its powerful effects on the brain's opiate receptors. When heroin is introduced into the body, it rapidly converts to morphine and binds to these receptors, leading to intense feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Over time, the brain becomes conditioned to these effects, requiring increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same high, which is a hallmark of physical addiction. The withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin can be severe and include pain, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety, which further illustrate how the body has become dependent on the drug. This cycle of addiction is characterized by the physical need for the drug, as well as psychological dependence, making recovery particularly challenging. Other substances listed, such as PCP, marijuana, and LSD, do not typically lead to physical addiction. While they can have psychological effects and potential for misuse, the physical dependence associated with substances like heroin sets it apart as a major concern in substance abuse contexts.