
Aisling Ryan
Breathwork
Dublin, IE
A need for increasing quantities of a substance or intensity of a behaviour to achieve the same effect — a core marker of dependence and addiction.
Quick answer
Increased tolerance describes the need for progressively larger amounts of a substance or behaviour to achieve the same effect, a defining feature of physical and psychological dependence. ICD-10: F10–F19 (substance dependence by substance); ICD-11: 6C40–6C4Z. A key indicator of addiction progression requiring clinical attention.
Recognition
People often find themselves consuming larger amounts over time.
What is Increased Tolerance?
A need for increasing quantities of a substance or intensity of a behaviour to achieve the same effect — a core marker of dependence and addiction.
Commonly explored for conditions related to Increased Tolerance, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Nervous system regulation, brain function, and neural pathways.
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Self-directed strategies that may support Increased Tolerance alongside professional care.
Connections
Increased Tolerance commonly appears alongside or as part of these conditions.
Vidi · AI guide
Explore what may be associated with Increased Tolerance, supportive approaches, and questions to ask a practitioner.
Gyfts is educational and cannot diagnose or replace care from a qualified professional.
Tolerance is a neuroadaptive process in which repeated exposure to a substance or behaviour results in diminishing response — requiring escalating doses or intensities to achieve the same effect. It is one of the core criteria for substance use disorder (alongside loss of control, withdrawal, and continued use despite consequences) and occurs in the context of alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, cannabis, nicotine, and behavioural addictions (gambling, gaming, sex). Physiologically, tolerance reflects receptor downregulation, altered neurotransmitter systems, and metabolic enzyme induction. Cross-tolerance (tolerance to one substance extending to another within the same class) is clinically important, particularly in opioid and benzodiazepine management. The presence of tolerance should prompt clinical assessment for dependence.
Research & traditional use overview
Tolerance, as a component of substance dependence, is addressed through structured addiction medicine approaches: medically supervised detoxification where indicated (particularly for alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines — where withdrawal can be life-threatening), pharmacotherapy (opioid substitution therapy with methadone or buprenorphine; naltrexone for alcohol; NRT for nicotine), and psychological treatment (CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management). Harm reduction approaches — reducing dose escalation without requiring abstinence — are evidence-based for many substances.
Evidence varies by person and approach. People explore these options for support; professional guidance may be appropriate.
Safety
Seek medical assessment immediately when tolerance is recognised in the context of alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines — withdrawal from these substances can be medically dangerous and should be medically supervised. Addiction medicine or specialist drug and alcohol services are appropriate. doctor assessment is a first step where specialist services are not yet engaged.
Questions