The term defined in ICD-10 to designate clinically significant intoxication is acute intoxication. Complications can include trauma, aspiration of vomit, delirium, coma, and seizures, depending on the substance and route of administration. In a drug intoxication, there is a significant state of altered consciousness, vital functions, and behavior, secondary to the administration of an excessive dose of a psychoactive substance. We must remember that drug intoxication can cause temporary or prolonged effects, and even death. Therefore, the medical approach must be driven purely by health considerations, not morality. Approaching a patient who has consumed drugs in any other way will only breed detachment or distrust, moving us away from our goal, which is to treat the intoxicated patient.
Here are the 9 questions we must ask during clinical history taking (anamnesis) to obtain complementary information that helps us better understand the situation and severity of an intoxicated patient:
Intoxication depends heavily on the type and dosage of the drug(s) and is influenced by the individual’s level of tolerance and other factors. That is why these questions are indispensable from a clinical standpoint.
[More information: Drug Poisoning & Intoxications Training / WHO Lexicon of Alcohol and Drug Terms]
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