National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

The concept of habituation is generally understood as a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure. However, in the context of substance use, the correct answer is tolerance. Tolerance refers to the body's physiological adjustment to the presence of a substance, which occurs after regular and prolonged use. When someone develops tolerance, their body adapts to the substance, often requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects initially experienced. This adjustment indicates a significant physiological shift, altering the body's baseline functioning. Understanding tolerance is essential in counseling, as it helps professionals recognize the severity of substance use and tailor interventions appropriately. Knowing the ways in which individuals may become accustomed to substances can inform treatment strategies aimed at reducing intake or addressing misuse.