Which of the following statements is correct regarding intoxication in the context of stress?

• A. Intoxication refers to a temporary state of altered functioning caused by the recent intake of a substance, which can impact cognitive, emotional, and physical processes.
• B. Intoxication is synonymous with withdrawal and always results in decreased physiological arousal.
• C. Intoxication is a long-term psychological disorder that develops after prolonged exposure to stress.
• D. Intoxication only occurs when a person experiences stress without any involvement of external substances.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'intoxication' in psychological and physiological contexts. Intoxication typically refers to a temporary state caused by the recent intake of a substance, such as alcohol or drugs, which affects cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.
2. Step 2: Differentiate intoxication from withdrawal. Withdrawal is a separate process that occurs after the cessation of substance use and often involves physiological and psychological symptoms opposite to intoxication.
3. Step 3: Recognize that intoxication is not a long-term psychological disorder. Instead, it is a transient condition that changes functioning temporarily, unlike chronic disorders that develop over time due to prolonged stress or substance use.
4. Step 4: Clarify that intoxication involves the influence of external substances. It is not caused solely by experiencing stress without substance involvement; stress alone does not produce intoxication.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is the one describing intoxication as a temporary state of altered functioning caused by recent substance intake, impacting cognitive, emotional, and physical processes.