Addiction

A comprehensive review of more than 50 studies has found a strong link between spirituality and a lower risk of substance abuse. Participating in religious or spiritual services significantly reduces the likelihood of harmful drug and alcohol use.

Young people who regularly view pornography featuring aggressive themes are more likely to enact those dominant behaviors with their own partners. New research suggests this behavioral connection is associated with lower romantic satisfaction in adolescent relationships.

A new study found that two minor cannabis compounds, CBN and THCV, were more effective at reducing voluntary alcohol drinking in rats than CBD, offering a potential new avenue for treating alcohol use disorder.

A new study explores the psychological factors driving extreme celebrity fandom. Researchers found that while mental distress is strongly linked to celebrity obsession, the impact of childhood trauma reveals a surprising pattern of both obsessive attachment and emotional withdrawal.

People who watch adult media for emotional escape or thrill-seeking tend to hold extreme beliefs about gender roles. New research shows this connection grows even stronger when viewers believe the videos accurately reflect real life.

A recent study found that young adults experiencing mild psychotic-like symptoms also report higher rates of hypersexuality and problematic porn use. Experts suggest these sexual behavioral issues could act as early markers for severe mental health challenges.

People who obsess over missing out on social events show hypersensitive brain activity when receiving digital approval, revealing a biological clue behind problematic phone checking and social media habits.

A large new study cuts through the hype to find the true rate of video game addiction. Analyzing data from over 149,000 young adults, researchers discovered that roughly 6% suffer from a clinical loss of control over their gaming habits.

While eating well slightly lowers inflammation, new research shows it is not enough to reverse the damage caused by frequent alcohol consumption. Moderate and heavy drinking were linked to significant inflammatory spikes, regardless of diet quality.

People increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to answer sensitive behavioral health questions. A recent study evaluating how well a popular chatbot explains addiction found that while the platform provides accurate overviews, it frequently misses necessary medical nuances.

New research reveals that the brain stores competing memories of alcohol addiction and recovery within the same type of cell. This discovery suggests that preventing relapse requires strengthening recovery circuits, not just weakening addiction pathways.

An experimental drug developed using artificial intelligence shows promise in treating opioid use disorder. The medication significantly lowered fentanyl intake in rodents by targeting serotonin receptors, promoting healthy brain adaptation without relying on traditional opioid-based treatments.

People with a persistent desire for more are particularly vulnerable to gambling harms. A new study reveals that dispositional greed is linked to flawed thinking patterns, frequent betting, and an inability to walk away from the game.

A study of university students links watching violent pornography to a higher risk of committing sexual aggression. This association is especially strong among viewers who believe the explicit scenes reflect reality and who have victim-blaming friends.

Whether addicted to alcohol, cocaine, or nicotine, people with substance use disorder share identical "short circuits" in their brain's reward networks. A massive new meta-analysis maps these specific neural disruptions, offering a potential blueprint for future treatments.