What is Toxicity in the Context of Psychoactive Substances?
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. In the context of psychoactive substances, toxicity can manifest as acute or chronic effects. Acute toxicity often results from overdose, leading to symptoms like respiratory depression, seizures, or even death. Chronic toxicity emerges from prolonged use, potentially causing irreversible damage to organs like the liver, heart, or brain. The dose-response relationship is crucial in determining the toxicity of a substance, as both the amount consumed and the frequency of use play significant roles.
