How do tolerance and withdrawal differ?

How do tolerance and withdrawal differ?

• A. Tolerance is the need for markedly increased amounts to achieve the desired effect; withdrawal is physiological and psychological symptoms that occur when reducing or stopping use.
• B. Tolerance is the same as withdrawal.
• C. Withdrawal is unrelated to use.
• D. Tolerance occurs only with caffeine.

Answer: (A)

Tolerance and withdrawal reflect different adaptations to repeated substance exposure. Tolerance is when the body and brain adjust so you need markedly larger amounts to achieve the same effect. This means your use escalates to maintain the desired impact. Withdrawal, on the other hand, is the set of physiological and psychological symptoms that appear when you reduce or stop the drug after dependence has formed, as the body readjusts to functioning without the substance. They’re related, but distinct: tolerance concerns needing more to get the same result, while withdrawal concerns the symptoms that arise from stopping after dependence. For example, with chronic use you might require more of a substance for the same effect, and if you stop, you could experience tremors, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances as withdrawal.

Tolerance and withdrawal reflect different adaptations to repeated substance exposure. Tolerance is when the body and brain adjust so you need markedly larger amounts to achieve the same effect. This means your use escalates to maintain the desired impact. Withdrawal, on the other hand, is the set of physiological and psychological symptoms that appear when you reduce or stop the drug after dependence has formed, as the body readjusts to functioning without the substance. They’re related, but distinct: tolerance concerns needing more to get the same result, while withdrawal concerns the symptoms that arise from stopping after dependence. For example, with chronic use you might require more of a substance for the same effect, and if you stop, you could experience tremors, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances as withdrawal.