What effect occurs when an individual becomes more sensitive to a drug after repeated exposure?

The concept of reverse tolerance refers to a phenomenon where an individual becomes increasingly sensitive to a drug after repeated exposure, meaning that they may experience enhanced effects from the same dose of the substance over time. This can happen due to several factors, including physiological changes or a decrease in the individual's ability to metabolize the drug effectively.

This differs from tolerance, where continual use of a substance results in diminished effects requiring larger amounts to achieve the same response. In reverse tolerance, it would actually require less of the drug to achieve similar or heightened effects compared to previous experiences.

Recognizing reverse tolerance is particularly important in treatment and recovery contexts, as it underscores the need for careful monitoring of drug use and potential risks of overdose if the individual is unaware of their heightened sensitivity.