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

How long can the effects of a psychedelic drug typically last?

1. 1-2 hours

2. 4-6 hours

3. 8-10 hours

4. 12-14 hours

The correct answer is: 8-10 hours

The effects of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD or psilocybin, typically last between 8 to 10 hours, making this timeframe the most accurate among the options. This duration can vary based on individual factors, the specific substance used, and dosage, but the 8 to 10-hour range is generally accepted for most classic psychedelics. When considering other timeframes, substances with shorter effects usually would not fit the profile of traditional psychedelics. For example, the 1-2 hour range is more common for stimulants or some dissociatives. Similarly, a 4-6 hour duration might be more applicable to certain hallucinogenic experiences or mixed drug effects, and the 12-14 hour timeframe exceeds the typical duration for most psychedelics, suggesting more long-lasting substances that alter perception beyond what's characteristic of psychedelics. Thus, the 8-10 hour duration aligns well with the pharmacological profiles of classic psychedelics commonly discussed in addiction counseling and substance use literature.