National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What does tolerance in substance use refer to?

1. Increased cravings for a substance

2. The need for larger doses to achieve the same effect

3. The ability to function with minimal substance use

4. Dependency on a substance for daily activities

The correct answer is: The need for larger doses to achieve the same effect

Tolerance in substance use specifically refers to the body's adaptation to a substance over time, which results in the need for increasing amounts of that substance to achieve the same psychoactive effects that were once experienced with smaller doses. As an individual continues to use a substance, the brain and body adjust to its presence, diminishing the response to its effects. This means that what used to create a certain level of intoxication or effect no longer does, compelling the user to consume more in order to reach that desired level. This notion of needing larger doses to achieve the same effect underscores a fundamental aspect of addiction and substance use disorders, as it illustrates the body's increasing accommodation and potential physical dependence on the substance. Understanding tolerance is crucial for addiction counselors, as it helps in assessing the severity of an individual's substance use and devising appropriate treatment plans.