National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with the short-term effects of hallucinogens?

1. Improved coordination

2. Increased appetite

3. Insomnia

4. Heightened focus

The correct answer is: Insomnia

The symptom commonly associated with the short-term effects of hallucinogens is insomnia. Hallucinogens can significantly alter perception, mood, and cognitive functions, often leading to disturbances in sleep patterns. Users may experience heightened energy levels or altered states of consciousness, which can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This connection between hallucinogen use and sleep disruption is well documented, as substances like LSD, psilocybin, and others can lead to a sense of wakefulness that makes restful sleep challenging. Other symptoms associated with hallucinogen use include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in sensory perception, and emotional fluctuations, but insomnia aligns closely with the disruption in normal physiological and psychological functioning that these substances can induce. The other options, while they might seem plausible, do not correctly reflect the immediate physiological and psychological effects typically observed with the short-term use of hallucinogens. Instead, hallucinogens tend to produce an array of effects that reduce appetite rather than increase it, and focus can often be impaired rather than heightened in the context of such substances.