Addiction Mechanism and Drug Tolerance — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptBecause of the perceived benefits, drugs are frequently used repeatedly. The most important thing, which one fails to realise, is the inherent addictive nature of alcohol and drugs. Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects – such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol. These drive people to take them even when these are not needed, or even when their use becomes self-destructive. With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases. Consequently the receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction. However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of these drugs even once, can be a fore-runner to addiction. Thus, the addictive potential of drugs and alcohol, pull the user into a vicious circle leading to their regular use (abuse) from which he/she may not be able to get out. In the absence of any guidance or counselling, the person gets addicted and becomes dependent on their use.
Which of the following statements are NOT correct regarding addiction, dependence, and adolescence vulnerability to drug abuse? S1: Adolescence is a highly vulnerable phase for drug abuse due to curiosity and the perceived 'coolness' of substance use. S2: With repeated use of drugs, the body's tolerance level of receptors decreases, requiring smaller doses for the same effect. S3: Addiction refers to a physical withdrawal syndrome, whereas dependence is a psychological attachment to the drug's effects. S4: Drug dependence can be severe, potentially life-threatening, and often requires medical supervision during withdrawal. S5: Even a single instance of drug use can initiate the path to addiction due to the inherent addictive potential of these substances. S6: Unstable family structures and academic pressures are contributing factors to drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — S2 and S3 only
Let's analyze each statement based on the NCERT text: S1: "Adolescence, thus is a very vulnerable phase of mental and psychological development of an individual." "Curiosity, need for adventure and excitement, and experimentation, constitute common causes, which motivate youngsters towards drug and alcohol use." "The perception among youth that it is ‘cool’ or progressive to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, is also in a way a major cause for youth to start these habits." This statement is correct. S2: "With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases. Consequently the receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction." This statement incorrectly states that tolerance decreases and requires smaller doses. It's incorrect. S3: "Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol." "Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued." This statement reverses the definitions of addiction and dependence. It's incorrect. S4: "In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life threatening and the person may need medical supervision." This statement is correct. S5: "However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of these drugs even once, can be a fore-runner to addiction." This statement is correct. S6: "Of late, stress, from pressures to excel in academics or examinations, has played a significant role... Other factors that have been seen to be associated with drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents are unstable or unsupportive family structures and peer pressure." This statement is correct. Therefore, S2 and S3 are the NOT correct statements. The final answer is B.
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