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

Which of the following is described as "thinking you see or hear something that does not exist in reality" during detoxification?

1. Delirium Tremens

2. Withdrawal seizures

3. Hallucinations

4. Tremors

The correct answer is: Hallucinations

The description "thinking you see or hear something that does not exist in reality" during detoxification aligns with the phenomenon of hallucinations. Hallucinations can occur in individuals undergoing withdrawal from substances, particularly alcohol and certain drugs. These experiences can involve visual, auditory, or even tactile sensations that are vividly felt but do not correspond to any actual stimuli in the environment. During detoxification, the brain is adjusting to the absence of the substance, which can lead to alterations in perception and can manifest as hallucinations. This is particularly important in the context of substance withdrawal, where the shift in neurochemistry can lead to such symptoms. In contrast, delirium tremens involves severe confusion and disorientation, often with vivid hallucinations, but it encompasses a broader set of symptoms, including severe agitation and autonomic instability. Withdrawal seizures are characterized by convulsions without the perceptual disturbances described, and tremors refer specifically to shaking movements, which are also distinct from the experience of perceiving non-existent stimuli. Thus, hallucinations specifically capture the essence of the erroneous perceptions described in the question.