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Increased Frequency
Overview
Over time, people caught in the web of addiction use more and more chemicals to make themselves feel better. As their brains chemically compensate for the larger amounts, the abused chemical is less effective in causing the mood change that the person wants. The user increases the frequency of use, but changes in brain chemistry occur as the brain accommodates to addictive substances. Those changes allow the brain to tolerate more frequent use of chemicals with less mood change. This phenomenon, called tolerance, makes the person need to use the chemical more frequently.
Tolerance: An Index Of Addiction
Tolerance and frequency of alcohol and/or drug use increase together. Problems become more intense and more harmful. As negative behaviors, attitudes, and thinking are magnified, they become more obvious. The chemically dependent person begins to feel more guilty and ashamed, and denial about using increases. Addicts and alcoholics hide how much and how often they use to avoid conflict with others who may see them as having a problem.
An increased loss of control occurs, both in the amount of use and in personal behaviors. Grandiose and aggressive behavior may be evident. Alcoholics may experience periods of memory loss as a result of their chemical use. Because of the increased state of denial, chemically dependent individuals do not see the full impact of their alcohol or chemical use on their life.
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