Question

After taking Vicodin for 2 years for chronic pain, a 40-year-old woman finds that her usual dosage is no longer effective and goes to the doctor to request a higher dosage. This is an example of:

A) addiction.
B) dependence.
C) tolerance.
D) drug abuse.

Answer 1

The woman's need for a higher dose of Vicodin indicates tolerance, as her body requires more of the drug to achieve the same pain relief effect. This is different from addiction or dependence but can increase the risk of overdose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario described where a woman finds that her usual dosage of Vicodin is no longer effective indicates tolerance, which occurs when a drug user requires more and more of a given drug to experience the same effects. This is a physiological response to sustained use of a substance, such as an opioid, where the body adapts and becomes less responsive to the drug's effects. Tolerance is different from addiction, which refers to the compulsive use of a drug despite negative consequences, and from dependence, which implies that cessation of drug use would lead to withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance can lead to an increased dosage and carries the risk of overdose and death if not properly managed.