What is the term for the body's adaptation to a drug that diminishes its effects?

What is the term for the body's adaptation to a drug that diminishes its effects?

• A. Dependence
• B. Tolerance
• C. Withdrawal
• D. Addiction

Answer: (B)

Tolerance refers to the body's adaptation to a drug over time, resulting in a diminished effect from the same dose of the drug. When a person becomes tolerant, they may find that they need to increase the dosage to achieve the desired effect that they used to experience with a lower dose. This phenomenon occurs because the body adjusts its physiological responses to the drug, leading to decreased sensitivity. This concept is crucial in the context of substance abuse because it highlights the potential for escalating use of a substance as individuals consume higher doses to attain the same effects. Understanding tolerance is vital for identifying risk factors associated with substance use disorders, as individuals may inadvertently increase their use, leading to dependence or addiction.

Tolerance refers to the body's adaptation to a drug over time, resulting in a diminished effect from the same dose of the drug. When a person becomes tolerant, they may find that they need to increase the dosage to achieve the desired effect that they used to experience with a lower dose. This phenomenon occurs because the body adjusts its physiological responses to the drug, leading to decreased sensitivity.

This concept is crucial in the context of substance abuse because it highlights the potential for escalating use of a substance as individuals consume higher doses to attain the same effects. Understanding tolerance is vital for identifying risk factors associated with substance use disorders, as individuals may inadvertently increase their use, leading to dependence or addiction.