What is a common feature of substance abuse disorders?

A common feature of substance abuse disorders is the development of tolerance. Tolerance occurs when an individual requires increasingly larger doses of a substance to achieve the same effects that they initially experienced with smaller amounts. This phenomenon arises from the body adapting to the presence of the substance, leading to a reduction in its impact over time. Tolerance is an important criterion in diagnosing substance use disorders, as it reflects the body's physiological changes in response to repeated use.

While physical aggression, sleep disturbances, and recurrent psychotic episodes may occur in individuals struggling with substance abuse, these symptoms are not universal or defining features of substance abuse disorders. Physical aggression can result from various factors, including substance-induced changes in mood and behavior but is not a core element of the disorder itself. Sleep disturbances may be associated with substance use, either due to withdrawal symptoms or the effects of the substance. Recurrent psychotic episodes can occur, particularly with substances like hallucinogens or stimulants, but they do not characterize the disorder as a whole. In contrast, tolerance is a well-established and commonly recognized aspect of substance abuse disorders that occurs across various substances and is instrumental in understanding the severity of addiction.