PSY 2301 Final: exam notes.docx
25 Jun 2014
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In tolerance, as in habituation, a learned behavior results when a response to a stimulus weakens with repeated presentations. Increase in number of enzymes used to break down substance and as a result any alcohol that is consumed is metabolized so quickly so blood alcohol levels are reduced. Activities of brain cells adjust to minimize effects of the substance. The occasional drug-taker may experience an increased responsiveness to successive equal doses. Whereas tolerance generally develops with repeated use of a drug, sensitization is much more likely to develop with occasional use. For many drug therapies, a drug must be taken for a number of weeks before it has beneficial effects. So sensitization may underlie development of the drug"s beneficial effects. Before a person becomes addicted to a drug, must have experiences with the drug away from the home environment. So sensitization may related to the development of drug dependence. Many substances, even natural ones such as glutamate, can be neurotoxins.
