Developing a tolerance to drugs poses significant dangers. Read on to learn more about tolerance, its relationship to dependence, and its role in addiction (substance use disorder).
Drug Tolerance and Addiction
When someone uses a drug or medication on an ongoing basis, tolerance can form. When this occurs, it means that the body has become accustomed to the current dosage, leading to diminished effects. Tolerance can occur over time even if those who use prescribed drugs exactly as directed.
The rate of tolerance development differs according to the drug in question. Tolerance to cocaine or meth, for instance, can form rapidly, sometimes after just a few uses. When someone takes prescription opioids for pain management, by contrast, tolerance can develop gradually, with increased doses required to deliver the initial analgesic effects.
Unfortunately, many people attempt to counter tolerance by increasing consumption or using the drug more frequently. Abusive patterns of consumption like this will accelerate the development of physical dependence – more on this below – and may lead to addiction. Increasing dosage also raises the risk of drug overdose, which can often be life-threatening.
Drug addiction is clinically described as substance use disorder and it’s recognized as a chronic and relapsing disorder. Although there is no cure for drug addiction, it’s highly treatable with evidence-based interventions.
Are Drug Tolerance and Dependence the Same Thing?
Someone who uses drugs long-term may develop both tolerance and dependence on the drug. While these concepts are interrelated, they are not the same thing.
The main distinction between tolerance and dependence lies in the way the body reacts to the substance. Tolerance manifests when the body adapts to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the original rewarding effects. Dependence, by contrast, means that the body requires the substance to function normally. Drug dependence is characterized by the presentation of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Dangers of Drug Tolerance
The development of tolerance to medications or drugs carries an array of risks and potential dangers. These include:
- Dependence: Increasing the dose or frequency of dosages can lead to the development of physical dependence. The relationship between tolerance and dependence can be damaging because tolerance often leads to patterns of binge use which in turn accelerate the formation of dependence.
- Addiction: Although drug addiction is not the same as dependence, those who become dependent on drugs frequently go on to develop substance use disorder.
- Complications related to chronic pain: Those experiencing chronic pain are frequently prescribed opioids long-term. Sustained use of opioid painkillers will cause tolerance to form over time, as well as dependence and potentially addiction. At the same time, people find that as tolerance builds, so the effects of opioids diminish, and pain becomes more challenging to manage.
- Compromised immune system: Increased tolerance to drugs, when followed by increased consumption in an attempt to counteract tolerance, can weaken immune function. This impairs the body’s ability to combat illnesses or infections, impacting overall health and well-being.
- Deterioration of mental health: If someone with a co-occurring mental health disorder develops tolerance to drugs or alcohol, increasing consumption to self-medicate symptoms could lead to addiction while at the same time inflaming the mental health condition and doing nothing to address the underlying issue.
- Risk of overdose: Perhaps the most pressing danger of increased tolerance to drugs is the heightened risk of overdose. Overdosing on many different drugs can be fatal. This increased risk is observed in those who develop tolerance and then increase consumption.
How to Get Treatment for Drug Tolerance
Addressing drug tolerance involves medical intervention, ongoing treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, all aimed at reducing dependence and restoring overall health.
Consult a healthcare professional
The first step in seeking treatment is to consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan accordingly. This may include recommendations for medical detox and ongoing inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Engage with medically supervised detoxification
Medically supervised detox streamlines the drug withdrawal process with the use of medications to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Continuous clinical and emotional care mitigates complications and relapse. Detox helps people move beyond tolerance and dependence and is usually followed by ongoing treatment to unpack the psychological component of drug addiction.
MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
MAT is proven effective for treating opioid and alcohol addictions. Medication-assisted treatment is best used in combination with psychotherapies.
Counseling and psychotherapy
Ongoing treatment for drug addiction involves counseling (one-to-one and group), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), motivational therapies, and holistic treatments. These interventions help people address the psychological side of drug addiction in a trigger-free environment.
Lifestyle changes and support systems
Recovery from drug tolerance also involves making positive lifestyle changes and building a strong support system. Engaging in healthy activities, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction techniques, can enhance physical and mental well-being. Additionally, joining support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or seeking support from friends and family can provide encouragement and accountability throughout the recovery process.
Continuous monitoring and aftercare
Recovery from drug addiction is an ongoing journey that requires continuous monitoring and aftercare to prevent relapse. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers and continued participation in therapy or support groups can help people maintain abstinence and address any challenges that arise.
Get Treatment for Drug Dependence & Addiction at Ohio Recovery
If you have developed dependence or addiction, we can help you address all types of substance use issues at Ohio Recovery Centers.
We treat addictions in an outpatient setting, enabling individuals to fulfill their everyday commitments while pursuing evidence-based drug addiction treatment.
When you choose to tackle drug addiction at our rehab center in Cincinnati, OH, you can engage with a personalized blend of treatments, from MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and psychotherapy to counseling and holistic treatments.
For whole-body recovery from drug addiction, call 877-679-2132.
