Addiction

Individuals with thicker insulae and higher caudate gray matter volumes administered more cocaine, with women self-administering more than men. Results suggest links between brain structure and compulsive drug use behaviors.

The use of diabetes drugs semaglutide and liraglutide was associated with fewer hospitalizations for alcohol use disorder compared to approved treatments, suggesting these medications may have potential benefits for managing alcohol-related health issues.

Men with hypersexual disorder exhibit higher levels of emotional instability, impulsivity, social withdrawal, and interpersonal difficulties compared to men without the condition.

Men, younger people, and sexual minorities are more likely to worry about compulsive sexual behaviors, with concerns differing by gender, religion, and behavior type

A recent study found that early teens who spend more time on social media, texting, or video chatting are more likely to experiment with alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis.

Researchers found increased thalamus-insula connectivity in individuals with alcohol use disorder during unpredictable threats, linked to higher alcohol intake. This suggests heightened threat reactivity may drive excessive drinking.

A new study has uncovered a critical molecular mechanism behind alcohol's effects on the brain. Researchers found that a previously uncharacterized protein, TMEM132B, amplifies alcohol's influence on GABAA receptors.

Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol use disorder share similar gene expression changes, including increased inflammation, disrupted brain signaling, and vascular damage, suggesting alcohol use may worsen or accelerate Alzheimer’s progression through shared molecular mechanisms.

Compulsive shopping stems from impaired executive function, according to new research.

A new study shows impulsivity, especially traits like distraction, lack of planning, and emotional reactivity, increases the risk of problematic pornography use. Younger individuals and men are more affected

Recent research found that mindfulness meditation reduces gaming cravings by improving brain connections related to self-control and reward processing, while also lowering sensitivity to gaming cues and stabilizing neurotransmitter activity linked to addiction.

Specific brain connectivity patterns predict online shopping addiction. Stronger control network connections increased addiction risk, while stronger emotion regulation connections reduced it, with impulsivity playing a key role in influencing these behaviors.

Recent research found that intensified behaviors, such as binge-watching and escalating time spent viewing (quantitative tolerance), are closely linked to difficulties in controlling consumption, highlighting key patterns associated with problematic pornography use.

Mental fatigue weakens self-control and intensifies the appeal of rewards, increasing indulgence. These findings highlight how stress and exhaustion fuel unhealthy behaviors, offering insights for managing addiction and promoting better decision-making.