What is meant by "reverse tolerance" in the context of drug use?

Reverse tolerance refers to a phenomenon in drug use where an individual exhibits increased sensitivity to a drug's effects over time, contrary to what is typically observed with substance use. In standard tolerance, a person needs to consume larger amounts of a drug to achieve the same effects as initially experienced. However, with reverse tolerance, the body's response changes, resulting in potent effects from smaller doses of the drug.

This concept can often occur after a period of abstinence or a decrease in drug use, where the individual may find they react more strongly to the substance when they resume use. Understanding reverse tolerance is critical in treatment settings, as it can inform counselors about the risks of resuming drug use after a period of sobriety, potentially leading to overdose.