Tolerance is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as, “A state in which an organism no longer responds to a drug; a higher dose is required to achieve the same effect.”
All too often, tolerance begins to develop when a person doesn’t even realize it; they’ve begun using alcohol or other drugs a bit more often than they originally were (perhaps recreationally), and their mind and body is beginning to adapt to use of the substance at the rate and frequency it’s being used. If you are concerned that a loved one may be developing a tolerance to a particular substance, it’s important to check out the warning signs:
- Substance is being used repeatedly over time
- The individual is beginning to need higher doses of the drug to achieve the same “high” they initially received
- The person is taking the drug more often to accommodate for being accustomed to the drug’s typical effects with original doses
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that tolerance can become a diagnostic criteria for dependence if conditions worsen, such as: withdrawal symptoms being to arise, neglect of personal responsibilities or interests occur in favor of substance abuse, using substances even when a person would rather quit, etc. A person’s condition will only continue to worsen if treatment isn’t sought; fortunately, the tolerance stage is an early period of addiction development that could be treated effectively with the right interventions.
If you or a loved one are ready to seek help and prevent addiction from developing further, please speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Tolerance should be taken seriously, as it’s a precursor for worse symptoms to develop; by not ignoring the signs and taking appropriate, proactive measures, a person can restore in the best ways possible.
If you’re ready to begin taking great strides towards your health and wellbeing, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Mental illness should be taken seriously and, if not treated early on, more severe conditions can arise. The best way to promote happiness and health is to seek help – and to begin using effective interventions for treating the problematic symptoms a person is experiencing. Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you need. Please call Alta Loma today – and you’ll be surrounded by a healthcare team who truly cares about your recovery. 866-457-3843