Final Answer:
Helen's tolerance to a psychoactive drug implies an increased need for higher doses to achieve the same effect, often resulting in sensory or perceptual distortions.
The correct answer is B. produces sensory and/or perceptual distortions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychoactive drugs alter brain function, affecting perception and sensory experiences. Tolerance to a psychoactive drug indicates that Helen's body has adapted to the drug's presence. When tolerance develops, higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, indicating changes in neurochemistry. (B)
The development of tolerance doesn't inherently affect one's ability to distinguish reality from fantasy or induce a feeling of alertness. However, it does often lead to sensory or perceptual distortions as the body adjusts to the drug's presence, making option B the most accurate choice.
Tolerance occurs due to physiological adaptations in the body's response to the drug. With continued use, the body becomes more efficient at metabolizing the drug, necessitating higher doses for the same effect. This doesn't directly correlate with a blurring of reality or an increase in alertness. Instead, it often leads to perceptual changes, where senses are altered or distorted, aligning with option B. These changes can manifest as visual or auditory distortions, which are common effects associated with psychoactive drugs.
Understanding the nuances of drug tolerance involves considering its impact on neurobiology. While it doesn't necessarily impact alertness or blur the line between reality and fantasy, it often induces alterations in perception. These changes in sensory experiences align with the development of tolerance and are indicative of the body's adaptation to the drug's presence, making option B the most fitting choice.