What term describes a condition when a person ingests a harmful substance?

The term that describes a condition when a person ingests a harmful substance is addiction. Addiction is characterized by a compulsive engagement in a behavior or substance use despite the negative consequences it may cause. When an individual becomes addicted, their physiological and psychological health can be jeopardized, leading to harmful effects. This aligns with the scenario of ingesting a harmful substance, as addiction implies the inability to control the intake of such substances despite awareness of the risks involved.

Dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal, while related to the overall concept of substance use and abuse, describe different aspects of the experience. Dependence refers to the physical or psychological reliance on a substance, tolerance involves needing more of a substance to achieve the same effects due to repeated use, and withdrawal entails the symptoms that occur when the substance is not available after prolonged use. Understanding addiction helps clarify the severity and implications of ingesting harmful substances, differentiating it from these other concepts.