Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the term for a strong desire to use a substance?

1. Intoxication

2. Tolerance

3. Craving

4. Dependency

The correct answer is: Craving

The term that refers to a strong desire to use a substance is "craving." This term is often used in the context of addiction and substance use disorders, where an individual experiences intense urges or longings for a specific substance. Cravings can significantly influence a person's behavior and decision-making, often leading them to seek out and use the substance despite potential negative consequences. Intoxication refers to the physical and mental impairments caused by consuming a substance, particularly alcohol or drugs, and does not specifically denote a desire. Tolerance describes the body’s adaptation to a substance, leading to a need for larger amounts to achieve the same effect, which is a different concept from wanting the substance itself. Dependency suggests a reliance on a substance to function normally, often taking into account withdrawal symptoms, but it does not capture the desire aspect as directly as craving does.