What term describes the inappropriate use of a substance or medication?

The term that best describes the inappropriate use of a substance or medication is substance abuse. This encompasses a pattern of using a drug in a manner that is detrimental to the individual or others. Substance abuse can involve illegal drugs, prescription medications used improperly, or the excessive use of alcohol, which leads to negative physical, psychological, or social consequences.

Understanding substance abuse is crucial in the context of emergency medical services, as it directly impacts patient care and assessment. Recognizing the pattern of misuse can help EMTs identify potential underlying issues and provide appropriate care or referrals. It is a broad term that includes various forms of misuse, including binge drinking, taking medications that are not prescribed, or using illegal drugs.

The other terms, while related to substance use, refer to more specific situations. Acute intoxication describes a temporary state resulting from the recent use of a substance that affects an individual's physical and mental state. Toxic exposure typically refers to being exposed to harmful substances, which may not necessarily involve the misuse of a drug. Overdose specifically refers to consuming an excessive quantity of a drug, leading to toxic effects, which may be acute but does not broadly encompass the concept of misuse like substance abuse does.