Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the primary use of hallucinogens?

1. To relieve pain

2. To provide sedation

3. To induce altered states of perception

4. To boost energy levels

The correct answer is: To induce altered states of perception

Hallucinogens are primarily used to induce altered states of perception. This category of substances—such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline—is known for their profound effects on a person's sensory perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. Users often report experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations, altered sense of time, and changes in emotional states, which are all considered forms of altered perception. The other choices focus on effects that are associated with different categories of drugs. For example, substances that relieve pain typically fall under the category of analgesics, which work by blocking pain signals in the brain. Sedatives are used for calming and reducing anxiety rather than altering perception, and stimulants are the type of drugs that would boost energy levels by increasing alertness and vitality. Therefore, the unique characteristic of hallucinogens lies in their ability to transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones through altered perceptions.