Why does tolerance matter for safety?
- By Robert Mauer
- Reviewed by: Dr. Janaka Hanvey, PhD
Tolerance matters for safety because it affects how the body responds to a given dose. As tolerance develops, larger amounts may be needed to achieve the same effect, which can narrow the margin between intended and dangerous dosing.
Tolerance does not develop evenly across all effects. In many cases, tolerance to desired effects develops faster than tolerance to harmful effects such as respiratory depression.
This mismatch can increase overdose risk even as the person perceives greater control over use.
Related questions
Need a more specific answer?
Use search.
Additional questions
Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
Government scientific overview of drug use, addiction, brain changes, tolerance, dependence, and recovery.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Commonly Used Drugs Charts
Comprehensive federal reference covering major drug categories, effects, overdose risks, and health consequences.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Substance Use and Mental Health
Federal information about substance use, addiction, prevention, treatment, and behavioral health.
MedlinePlus — Drugs and Young People
Government medical resource discussing drug effects, misuse, addiction risks, and substance use education.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts
Clear explanation of why people use drugs, how addiction develops, and how substance use affects the brain and behavior.