The Myth of Tolerance

SUBSTANCE USE AND

BEHAVIORAL
CONDITIONING
As substance users continue consumption, their Central Nervous System
(CNS) becomes conditioned to respond to environmental factors it associates
with intake.

Compensatory response increases over time

Without the typical environmental factors, CNS doesn't respond and
intoxication occurs much more quickly. This leads to overdoses.

Depressant effect without the CRS

stimulant response to counteract it
This CNS response has also been linked to addictive withdrawal as the
CNS stimulation, when not met with the users normal substance, causes
symptoms of its own.

Stimulant effect without the substance-

initiated depressant effect to counteract it
CNS response can be used in treatment as people can be re-
conditioned via decreasing exposure rather than cold
turkey approaches