Dictionary

Tolerance in the context of addiction refers to the decreased sensitivity of the body to a particular substance over time. With repeated substance use, the individual may require larger and larger doses to achieve the desired effect. This phenomenon can occur with licit (legal) and illicit (illegal) drugs. As the individual develops tolerance, they may begin to use larger doses of the substance, which may increase the risk of overdose and other adverse health effects.

Tolerance can also lead to physical dependence, where the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance. Tolerance is a common feature of substance use disorders and can contribute to the difficulty of overcoming addiction.