When it comes to addiction, someone starts out with a small enough dose to get high. However, it can get to a point where it may not be enough. This is tolerance explained in plain English.
This guide will discuss what drug tolerance is and what the symptoms are. We’ll also discuss the treatment plans and the challenges that go along with it. If you are dealing with an addiction, you’ll need to get the help now before it’s too late.
Gallus Detox is the treatment center that can help you kick your addiction. To find out more, use this link. Now, let’s talk more about drug tolerance and everything you need to know.
What is drug tolerance?
Drug tolerance develops when you are taking a drug at a certain dose to achieve that ‘high’. At some point, the current dose you use will no longer be as effective. Because of this, you will need to increase the dose in order to achieve that same effect as before.
The body will become so used to the dosage that you have no choice but to increase it. This is common when patients are using prescription drugs for pain. They would need to request an increase in the dosage, which is at the discretion of their doctor.
The doctor may switch up the regimen or put you on a different drug. Either way, tolerance can make it risky for someone to build an addiction. Keep in mind that dependence should not be confused with tolerance as they are not the same.
Dependence is defined as needing the drug and your body undergoes withdrawals if the need is not satisfied. For example, if you take a dose of the drug that triggers that high and you stop, your body will be dependent.
Some people think that even if they consumed a drug, they will be able to easily drive a car or go about their normal activities. While you might be able to control your senses, if the cops get you, you are looking at some serious DWI charges. If you get caught under the influence, you will need to take help from lawyers that are experts at DWI expungement.
What are the symptoms of drug tolerance?
As mentioned before, the main symptom of drug tolerance is the body no longer responding to the original dosage. In other words, it won’t dull the pain. Nor will it trigger that ‘high’ you want.
Thus, your body will want a higher dosage. Your body will likely tell you this by allowing the pain you’re getting rid of to remain. Naturally, you would increase the dosage assuming you have enough of the drug on hand.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms since your body won’t react to the original dose. It may be as if it’s not aware of the fact that the drug is in your system. The withdrawal symptoms will depend on the type of drug you are abusing.
What are the treatment plans for drug tolerance?
As mentioned before, drug tolerance has a treatment plan that can include increasing the dose, switching the medication, or changing up the regimen. These are treatment plans assuming you are using prescription drugs for pain or dealing with a chronic issue you may have.
However, if you are addicted to a drug for the purpose of getting high (and eventually addicted), your best treatment plan is to get help. Depending on the stage of addiction you’re at right now, you will have options in terms of detox.
Every person that walks into a drug detox center will have different needs in terms of treatment. Your treatment plan will be unique and personalized for you alone. The plan may depend on certain approaches like the therapy you need.
Drug tolerance can lead to an increase in dosage without the consent of your doctor. This is a risky thing to do since it can lead to addiction. That’s why it is important to consult with your doctor about increasing the dosage.
The challenges of drug tolerance
One of the biggest challenges is that an addict will respond to drug tolerance by increasing the dosage. This can get to the point where you may risk overdosing every time you increase or maintain the dosage. Overdosing can lead to death, but you may survive it.
Even if you survive an overdose, the consequences can be life-threatening after the fact. For example, you may experience issues like brain damage (and also effects associated with it including blurred or loss of vision and hearing). The damage can get to the point where you may be in a vegetative state.
Avoiding the potential of an overdose would be a challenge within itself. Especially when you are unsure of the timing between increasing one dose to another. You could increase the dosage one day and it will be enough to overdose on.
You may never know how much is enough. It can be a mistake that is proven to be fatal. To that end, drug tolerance can reach dangerous levels.
Another challenge is not knowing how much you will have in your system. You may have enough to get high. And you may also be operating a motor vehicle (and breaking the law in the process).
You may be subject to a test for intoxicants if you are caught by law enforcement. This will eventually lead to a DUI charge. This means you may also lose your driving privileges temporarily (depending on the traffic laws in your jurisdiction).
These are some of the major challenges for those dealing with drug tolerance. The more you understand what drugs can do to you, the better you’ll be able to realize that too much can lead to grave danger.
Final Thoughts
Drug tolerance can be dangerous. Yes, it can happen if you are taking regular prescription drugs. However, you’ll want to get the help you need if tolerance is part of an addiction you have.
Gallus Detox will be able to help you beat your addiction so you don’t risk overdosing. You have what it takes to make a decision that will impact the rest of your life. We hope that it is the right decision.
For more information, visit the Gallus Detox website and find out more about what we can do for you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help today.