In the context of substance use, what is tolerance?

Tolerance refers to the phenomenon where the body demonstrates a decreased response to a drug after it has been used repeatedly over time. As a person continues to use a substance, their body adapts to the drug's presence, which often leads to the need for higher doses to achieve the same effects that were once possible with smaller amounts. This adaptation can involve changes at the cellular level, such as alterations in receptor sensitivity or the way the body metabolizes the drug.

Understanding tolerance is crucial in the context of substance use disorders because it can lead individuals to increase their intake of a drug, heightening the risk of addiction and overdose. Evaluating tolerance is a significant part of assessing how substance use affects an individual and can help guide treatment strategies.

While psychological cravings, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms are relevant concepts in substance use, they describe different aspects of addiction and do not accurately define tolerance itself.