National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Building tolerance to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines typically occurs within a 2-3 week timeframe. This phenomenon is related to the body's adaptive process, where prolonged exposure to a drug leads to a diminished response over time. As a person continues to take benzodiazepines, the central nervous system may adjust to the presence of the drug, resulting in the need for higher doses to achieve the same level of sedation or anxiety relief.

The 2-3 week period is a common timeframe noted in research and clinical practice, indicating that individuals using benzodiazepines regularly may start to notice a reduction in the drug's effectiveness after this length of time. Different rates of tolerance may vary depending on individual factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and personal physiology, but the 2-3 week mark is a recognized average for many users. Understanding this aspect is critical for addiction counselors, as it highlights the potential for misuse and dependence associated with benzodiazepines.