drug tolerance

Drug tolerance occurs when the body becomes less responsive to a medication over time, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect. This happens because the brain and body adapt to the drug's presence, often by reducing the number of receptors or changing how they respond. As a result, regular use can lead to decreased effectiveness, potentially increasing the risk of dependence or side effects if doses are increased. Tolerance varies between individuals and medications and underscores the importance of medical supervision when using certain drugs over prolonged periods.