What term best describes the ability to modify behavior to avoid detection of intoxication after repeated drug use?

The term that best describes the ability to modify behavior to avoid detection of intoxication after repeated drug use is behavioral tolerance. This concept refers to a person's capacity to adapt their actions and responses in a way that masks the effects of intoxication. Individuals who have developed behavioral tolerance can appear to function normally despite having consumed substances that would typically impair their performance, leading them to manipulate their behavior to fit into social norms or expectations.

Behavioral tolerance is often a learned response, where the individual becomes more skilled at managing their appearance and actions in social situations to downplay signs of intoxication. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that the person is under the influence, enhancing the complexity of substance use assessments and interventions.

While the other terms—cross dependence, metabolic tolerance, and physical dependence—relate to pharmacological effects or physiological reactions to drugs, they do not specifically pertain to the ability to alter behavior in social contexts as seen with behavioral tolerance. Cross dependence involves the ability of one drug to alleviate withdrawal symptoms of another, metabolic tolerance refers to the body’s increased ability to metabolize a substance, and physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms following cessation of use. None of these adequately describe the behavioral adjustments made to conceal intoxication.