Final answer:
Street drug purity cannot be guaranteed, as these substances are not regulated by the FDA like pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmaceutical drugs, such as albuterol, are extensively tested and purified, ensuring safety and efficacy, but street drugs can be contaminated and dangerous. For trusted information on drug abuse, resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse are recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the question of how one can be sure a street drug is pure, it is important to understand that there are significant risks in using street drugs, and purity cannot be guaranteed. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), street drugs do not undergo the necessary testing and verification to ensure their safety or efficacy. Street drugs often contain unknown contaminants or substances which can pose serious health risks.
When it comes to pharmaceuticals, companies go through extensive testing and a multi-step purification process, which might only yield a portion of the original material in the form of the purified drug, as is the case with drugs like albuterol. Pharmaceutical companies are required to ensure that medicines are not only effective but also meet safety standards before they can be sold in pharmacies. This strict regulation indeed increases the cost of pharmaceuticals but ensures consumer protection from unsafe medications.
There is a contrasting situation with street drugs, where the lack of regulation means the substances can be adulterated with various other compounds, leading to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. This represents a significant health risk with no assurance of drug purity or safety. Individuals looking for information on commonly abused drugs can refer to resources provided by organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse for educational purposes.