Addiction

A study in rats suggests MDMA can prevent the rise in alcohol intake that follows trauma-like stress, but only in animals genetically predisposed to drink heavily. The effect did not appear to depend on changes in fear.

A new study analyzing human hair samples reveals that severe internet addiction is associated with lower long-term accumulations of the stress hormone cortisol, suggesting the body’s biological stress response may become exhausted over time.

A large review of past research has identified several personality traits, including impulsivity and neuroticism, that correlate with problematic internet pornography use. Conversely, traits like self-control and conscientiousness correspond with lower viewing rates overall.

A recent brain imaging study reveals that people with excessive smartphone habits process social exclusion differently than average users. Heightened brain activity in pain-processing regions suggests that heavy screen use is tied to a distinct sensitivity to social rejection.

People who spend excessive time lost in vivid, immersive fantasies often report higher rates of social media addiction and hypersexuality. New research suggests that underlying narcissistic traits and fragile self-esteem may connect these compulsive behaviors.

Heavy drinking changes how the brain fuels itself. But new research shows this metabolic shift is highly reversible, with the brain’s energy system returning to near-normal within just one month of abstinence.

People who compulsively use dating apps and pornography tend to view romantic love as less existentially meaningful. New research suggests addiction-like engagement with these platforms is linked to a more pragmatic, fleeting view of romance.

A new clinical trial suggests the weight-loss drug semaglutide could help treat alcohol use disorder. While it didn't eliminate laboratory-assessed cravings, the medication significantly reduced heavy drinking days and overall alcohol-related problems in treatment-seeking adults.

Researchers have identified a specific brain circuit that drives increased alcohol intake following social isolation. The findings provide a biological mechanism for how a negative social environment changes what the brain treats as a valuable reward.

Two new studies suggest psychedelic compounds could help treat cocaine addiction. A human trial found psilocybin combined with therapy reduced cocaine use, while an animal study indicated that environmental support is needed to prevent long-term relapse.

People with alcohol use disorder experience automatic emotional reactions to alcohol-related images that disrupt their decision-making processes. New research shows the brain attempts to offset these cognitive disruptions by increasing activity in regions associated with deliberate thought.

Patients in addiction treatment are increasingly receiving prescriptions for the nerve pain drug gabapentin, despite a lack of evidence for its effectiveness. Meanwhile, unprescribed use of the drug remains high among patients testing positive for multiple substances.

New research reveals how genetic risk and trauma symptoms combine to influence tobacco use. Individuals with a lower genetic predisposition to smoking may actually be more vulnerable to using tobacco in response to severe post-traumatic stress symptoms.

New research suggests adolescents who feel emotionally unnoticed are more likely to engage in addictive behaviors. A newly developed psychological scale reveals how this “sense of absence” acts as a bridge connecting family struggles to teen addiction.

A mouse study reveals that heavy alcohol use during adolescence alters hippocampal nerve cells, creating a lifelong sensitivity to alcohol. Fortunately, scientists found that a medication used for alcohol use disorders can restore normal brain function.