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What Is Tolerance?

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 02, 2009

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Definition: Tolerance is a term applied to the phenomenon of adaptation of the body to drugs it has been exposed to on a regular basis. A larger dose is required for the user to experience the same level of intensity of effect, and the amount of drug required to overdose increases.
Pronunciation: tol-a-rants
Also Known As: Resistence
Examples:
As Phil's alcohol consumption increased, he developed tolerance to alcohol, finding that he needed to drink more to get the same effect as before.

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