Which statement best differentiates acute from chronic effects of drug use?

• A. Acute effects involve immediate intoxication and impairment; chronic effects involve long-term health problems and dependence.
• B. Acute effects are long-term; chronic effects are immediate.
• C. Acute effects include only craving.
• D. Chronic effects are rare and short-lived.

Answer: (A)

Acute effects are what you experience right after using a drug—immediate intoxication and impairment, like slurred speech, slowed reflexes, or poor judgment. Chronic effects develop from repeated use over time and involve longer-term health problems and the potential for dependence or addiction. So the best statement is that acute effects are immediate and impairing, while chronic effects are long-term health issues and dependence.

The other ideas don’t fit because acute effects aren’t long-term, craving isn’t the only or defining acute effect, and chronic effects aren’t rare or short-lived.