Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which substance is an example of a hallucinogen?

1. Alcohol

2. Marijuana

3. LSD

4. Cocaine

The correct answer is: LSD

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a classic example of a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens are substances that significantly alter a person’s perception of reality, including their thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. LSD specifically affects serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to vivid and sometimes distorted visual imagery, changes in sensory perception, and alterations in thought patterns. This can result in profound experiences that may include visual hallucinations, synesthesia (mixing of senses), and an altered sense of time. In contrast, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine have different primary effects on the body and mind. Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain function and impairs judgment. Marijuana has psychoactive properties but is primarily classified as a cannabinoid with varying effects, including relaxation and altered sensory perception, rather than true hallucinations. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that enhances alertness and energy levels but does not typically produce the hallucinogenic effects associated with substances like LSD. Therefore, LSD stands out distinctly as a hallucinogen among these options.