Addiction

Treatments for autoimmune disorders might offer hope for methamphetamine addiction. Research published in Science Signaling indicates that blocking a specific immune protein dampens the drug's effect on the brain's reward centers.

Fentanyl overdose deaths have fallen sharply due to a supply shortage, according to a study in Science. The findings point to Chinese regulations on chemical precursors—likely spurred by US diplomacy—as the primary cause of the decline.

A new study suggests cannabidiol may prevent sensitization to combined cocaine and caffeine. The findings link this protective effect to specific gene expression changes in the brain’s extracellular matrix.

An 18-week clinical trial suggests high-dose topiramate may help reduce heavy drinking and smoking. Although the study missed its primary endpoint due to high attrition, exploratory analyses showed promise for dual treatment.

New research links hypersexuality to specific attachment styles and personality traits like antagonism and poor impulse control.

New research suggests CBD shields the brain from relapse triggers by repairing molecular damage caused by opioid use.

Why does the first experience feel the most intense? A Nature Neuroscience study reveals that dopamine receptors in fruit flies become less sensitive with use, providing a biological explanation for behavioral fatigue.

While clinical trials investigate psychedelics for addiction treatment, new population-level research indicates that LSD is associated with reduced alcohol use disorder in naturalistic settings.

While physical activity generally protects against addiction, a new study indicates it may intensify problematic pornography use when the behavior is driven specifically by a desire to alleviate stress.

New research suggests that alcohol use disorder triggers a specific immune response. This activation prompts astrocytes to damage neurons, providing a pathway for alcohol-related neurodegeneration.

A new study highlights distinct psychological profiles for gamblers. While strategic players show higher rates of narcissism-fueled addiction, mixed gamblers are driven by the belief that they are personally lucky.

Researchers have found that while negative thought patterns and emotional struggles both predict problematic pornography use, one does not cause the other. The path from psychological distress to addiction is more complex than expected.

Depictions of physical aggression in popular online pornography have substantially increased over the past quarter-century, new research finds.

In a recent laboratory experiment, cannabis use was associated with reduced alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers. This substitution effect appears to be driven by a significant decrease in the self-reported urge to drink.

A new study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine finds that cats and dogs are being poisoned by illicit fentanyl. The findings suggest the opioid crisis is reaching beyond humans and putting household pets at serious risk.