Final answer:
Inverse tolerance, or the kindling effect, occurs in individuals who frequently abuse alcohol and benzodiazepines. It leads to increased sensitivity to the drugs' effects and results in more severe withdrawal symptoms over time, despite consistent or reduced usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
People who abuse alcohol and benzodiazepines may experience inverse tolerance, also known as the kindling effect. This phenomenon occurs when a person's body becomes sensitized to a drug following repeated withdrawals leading to enhanced negative effects such as increased anxiety or risk of seizures, with each subsequent withdrawal period. Surprisingly the effects can worsen even when the amount of substance used remains the same or decreases.
Inverse tolerance is particularly concerning because it can make subsequent attempts to discontinue the substance more difficult and dangerous. This can result in a more severe withdrawal syndrome, requiring careful medical management to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual attempting to quit.
Treatment often involves tapering off the substance slowly and may require supervision by a healthcare provider.