Tolerance is the reduced response to a drug after repeated use, leading an individual to consume larger doses in order to achieve the same effect.
Imagine listening to your favorite song on repeat. At first, you love it and can't get enough. But over time, you start needing more - maybe new songs from the same artist - just to feel that same level of enjoyment. That's how tolerance works with drugs; over time you need more for the same effect.
Sensitization: An increased reaction to multiple doses of a drug. This is opposite of tolerance where one needs less for an intense reaction rather than more.
Desensitization: Reduced responsiveness due usually to continued exposure over time.
Cross-tolerance: A phenomenon where tolerance developed against one drug creates tolerance for another related drug too.
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