Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What are opioids used for?

1. Promoting mental clarity

2. Prescribing for pain management

3. Enhancing athletic performance

4. Weight loss treatments

The correct answer is: Prescribing for pain management

Opioids are primarily used for pain management, which makes the selected answer the most accurate among the options provided. They are effective in treating moderate to severe pain due to their ability to bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. This property is why opioids are often prescribed in medical settings following surgical procedures, for chronic pain conditions, or for patients with severe injuries. The other options do not accurately represent the primary uses of opioids. For instance, promoting mental clarity is not a function of opioids; rather, they can cause sedation or drowsiness. Opioids are not recommended for enhancing athletic performance since their primary effects do not align with performance enhancement and can lead to addiction and health risks. Additionally, they are not utilized for weight loss treatments, and using opioids for such purposes could have severe health implications, including the potential for misuse and dependence.