Which statement aligns with the overall message about drug safety in the material?

• A. Only illegal drugs pose health risks
• B. Both legal and illegal drugs can have risks
• C. Side effects indicate drugs are always safe
• D. Dopamine is not involved in risk

Answer: (B)

Understanding drug safety means recognizing that risk comes from how a substance affects the body, how it’s used, and who is using it, not from whether it’s legal. Legal status doesn’t guarantee safety—some legal substances, like alcohol or certain medicines, can cause harm if misused, taken in high amounts, or mixed with other drugs. At the same time, illegal drugs can be dangerous for these same reasons and often have unknowns like impurities or inconsistent strength that raise risk even more.

Side effects show that a drug has real effects on the body; they don’t mean a drug is safe. In fact, some side effects can be serious or life-threatening, depending on the drug and the person. And dopamine pathways in the brain are involved in reward and risk-taking, so many drugs that affect mood or pleasure can alter risk behavior and the likelihood of dependence.

So the statement that both legal and illegal drugs can have risks best captures the overall message about drug safety. Always consider dosage, interactions, medical conditions, and guidance from health professionals rather than assuming safety based on legality.