What does the need for larger doses of a drug indicate?

The need for larger doses of a drug indicates tolerance. Tolerance occurs when an individual’s body becomes accustomed to a drug over time, leading to a diminished effect from the same amount of the substance. As a result, the person may require higher doses to achieve the same level of effect or relief that they initially experienced. This biological and psychological adaptation can develop with repetitive use of various psychoactive substances, as the body adjusts its metabolic and physiological processes in response to the drug’s presence.

In contrast, while addiction and substance dependence both involve cravings and possibly life disruption, they do not specifically pertain to the requirement of increasing the drug dosage. Withdrawal refers to the physical and mental symptoms experienced when a dependent person reduces or stops drug intake, which is also different from the concept of needing larger doses. Tolerance is specifically focused on the increasing quantity needed to obtain the desired effect.