Which stage of alcohol withdrawal involves visual and auditory hallucinations?

The correct answer is that alcoholic hallucinosis is the stage of alcohol withdrawal that involves visual and auditory hallucinations. This condition can occur in individuals who have been chronically consuming alcohol and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms but have not yet progressed to delirium tremens.

During this stage, patients may manifest vivid hallucinations that can be distressing, and while they are oriented and aware of their surroundings, their perception of reality can be altered. These hallucinations are often well-formed, can involve complex scenes, and may include both visual and auditory elements, such as seeing bugs crawling on the walls or hearing voices.

In contrast, uncomplicated withdrawal may involve symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, sweating, and insomnia but typically does not include hallucinations. Withdrawal seizures can occur as part of alcohol withdrawal and are characterized by tonic-clonic seizures but do not involve hallucinations. Delirium tremens, though also associated with hallucinations, involves a more severe and acute set of symptoms that include confusion, extreme agitation, and autonomic instability, making it distinct from alcoholic hallucinosis.

Thus, the defining characteristic of alcoholic hallucinosis—hallucinations without the severe confusion and agitation found in delirium tremens—makes it the correct choice