Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the definition of intoxication regarding substance use?

1. A pattern of compulsive use

2. The development of reversible substance-specific syndrome

3. Desire to use a drug

4. Withdrawal symptoms from cessation

The correct answer is: The development of reversible substance-specific syndrome

Intoxication is defined as the development of a reversible substance-specific syndrome that is caused by the ingestion of a substance. This syndrome can manifest in various ways depending on the substance used, leading to noticeable changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral functioning. For instance, someone who has consumed alcohol may exhibit slurred speech, impaired coordination, or altered judgment, all indicative of intoxication. This definition emphasizes that intoxication is linked to the immediate effects of a substance and is typically temporary, as the body metabolizes and clears the substance over time. In contrast, other concepts in substance use, such as the pattern of compulsive use, desire to use a drug, or withdrawal symptoms, relate to longer-term patterns of behavior and physiological responses rather than the acute state of being affected by a substance.