How does developing a tolerance to heroin affect a person’s reaction to the drug?

When a person develops a tolerance to heroin, their body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, and as a result, it requires larger doses to achieve the same effects that were once felt with smaller amounts. This increased need for dosage occurs because the body adapts to the drug's consistent presence, often leading to biochemical changes that diminish its impact. As tolerance builds, the previous amount that was effective in producing feelings of euphoria or pain relief no longer has the same potency, necessitating an increase in dosage to achieve comparable results.

The implications of this can be serious, as larger doses can increase the risk of overdose and further dependency on the drug. Understanding how tolerance works helps to highlight the dangers associated with opioid use and the potential for addiction, emphasizing the importance of addressing substance use disorders with comprehensive treatment strategies.