What is the term for a state of repeated intoxication from substance use?

The term that describes a state of repeated intoxication from substance use is addiction. Addiction is characterized by a compulsive need or strong desire to use a substance despite harmful consequences. It involves both a physical and psychological dependence, where individuals may engage in substance use behaviors repeatedly, leading to an escalation in consumption as they seek to experience the same effects.

In the context of substance use, addiction can include various substances, ranging from alcohol to illicit drugs. This state is often accompanied by significant changes in brain chemistry and function, impacting decision-making and self-control.

While tolerance refers to the body's reduced response to a drug after repeated use, and drug dependence typically involves physical symptoms when a substance is not used, addiction encompasses the broader behavioral patterns and compulsive aspects of substance use. Psychosis, on the other hand, refers to a severe mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality, which is not inherently tied to the repetitive intake of substances. Overall, addiction is the most accurate term that captures the ongoing cycle of substance use behavior.