Drinking a large amount of cough medication is a method of abusing which type of drug?

The correct answer identifies codeine as the substance often found in cough medications and associated with abuse when consumed in large quantities. Codeine is an opioid, which means that while it has legitimate medical uses, particularly for pain relief and as a cough suppressant, it also has the potential for misuse and addiction.

When taken in excessive amounts, codeine can produce effects similar to those of other opioids, including euphoria and sedation. This misuse can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory depression, overdose, and dependency. Understanding the context of codeine in cough medications helps clarify why it is the option associated with that particular type of drug abuse.

Opium, heroin, and morphine, while related to the broader category of opioids, are distinct substances with specific uses and characteristics. Opium is the raw material from which several opioids are derived; heroin is a more potent derivative of morphine typically associated with illicit use; and morphine is used medically for severe pain relief. Though each of these can also be abused, cough medications specifically highlight codeine as the primary opioid involved.