A condition in which the body becomes used to the effect of a medicine is called?

Tolerance is the phenomenon where the body becomes accustomed to the effects of a medication over time, leading to a diminished response to the drug. When tolerance develops, an individual may find that they need to increase the dosage of the medication to achieve the same therapeutic effect they initially experienced. This is particularly common with certain types of medications, especially pain relievers and some psychoactive substances.

In contrast, dependence refers to a state where the body relies on the drug to function normally, and its absence can result in physical or psychological complications. Addiction is a more complex condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite harmful consequences. Withdrawal encompasses the symptoms experienced when a dependent individual stops taking the substance, which can occur after developing tolerance. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the context of pharmacology and substance use disorders.