British Columbia Serving It Right Practice Test

What symptom might indicate someone is intoxicated?

1. Clear and articulate speech

2. Excessive sweating

3. Calm demeanor

4. Slow reaction time

The correct answer is: Slow reaction time

Slow reaction time is a key symptom that often indicates someone is intoxicated. When a person consumes alcohol or other intoxicating substances, their cognitive and motor functions can become impaired. This impairment affects their ability to process information and respond promptly to stimuli. For instance, if someone is asked a question or is in a situation requiring quick thinking and action, their slow reaction time may reflect their intoxication level, suggesting that their coordination and decision-making abilities are compromised. In contrast, clear and articulate speech, excessive sweating, and a calm demeanor can be misleading. Clear speech may actually suggest sobriety or comfort, excessive sweating could be a result of various factors unrelated to intoxication such as anxiety or environmental conditions, and a calm demeanor may result from an individual's temperament rather than their level of intoxication. Hence, slow reaction time stands out as a more reliable indicator of intoxication.