Which term best describes the impact of repeated drug use leading to a reduced response?

The term that accurately describes the impact of repeated drug use leading to a reduced response is tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a drug after repeated exposure, resulting in a diminished effect. This means that over time, a person may require a higher dose of the drug to achieve the same effects that they experienced initially.

In contrast, dependency refers to a state where an individual feels compelled to use a substance to function normally, often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. Habituation is a broader concept typically related to behavioral adaptations rather than specifically to drug response. Contamination would denote the presence of unwanted substances in a drug, which is not related to the body's response to repeated use.

Understanding tolerance is crucial in medication management because it informs healthcare providers about potential adjustments in dosing and the need for monitoring patient responses to treatment over time.