Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It most commonly involves substances such as alcohol, opioids, and nicotine, but can also encompass behaviors like gambling, eating, and use of technology. The process of addiction involves a cycle of craving, indulgence, and reinforcement, which alters the brain’s chemistry and circuitry, particularly in areas related to reward, motivation, and memory. This results in an increased tolerance to the substance or behavior and a physical or psychological dependence. Breaking free from addiction typically requires a comprehensive approach, including medical intervention, counseling, support groups, and often long-term management strategies. Understanding addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder is crucial for effective treatment and reducing stigma, as it highlights the necessity of ongoing support and possible medical treatment for those affected.
Research from UCLA demonstrated that a combination therapy of naltrexone and bupropion effectively reduced methamphetamine use in trial participants over 12 weeks, suggesting the potential…
Researchers in San Francisco studied the transition from injecting to smoking fentanyl, finding it driven by fear of overdose and injection difficulties, yet still associated…
As smoking fentanyl becomes more common than injection, users face mounting dangers from the residue in smoking equipment. Now that smoking has overtaken injecting as…
NIH-supported study highlights increasingly dangerous illicit drug supply, risk of pills not coming from a pharmacy. Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically in…
U.S. fentanyl seizures skyrocketed by over 1,700% from 2017 to 2023, with nearly half of the seizures in pill form by 2023, indicating a major…
Mount Sinai researchers, in collaboration with scientists at Rockefeller University, have discovered how cocaine and morphine hijack the brain’s natural reward systems. Their study, published…
Recent research indicates cytisinicline may effectively help individuals quit vaping, with a trial showing promising results in doubling cessation rates compared to a placebo. Eleven…
Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been seen with heroin inhalation, but this is the first reported fentanyl case. Inhaling the synthetic opioid fentanyl may cause potentially irreversible…
Case study highlights added danger of illicit fentanyl, especially to first-time users. The man arrived unconscious and near death. Previously healthy with no known medical…
Exploration of 3 million records uncovers connections between gene variants governing alcohol use and many non-alcohol-related conditions. A research group centered at the University of…
Abuse of Adderall among college students predisposes them to the use of alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. Taking “study drugs” like Adderall without a diagnosis…
Research shows smoking is linked to increased abdominal and visceral fat, raising the risk of serious health issues. Genetic analysis confirms smoking’s significant impact on…
Analysis of illegal drugs purchased online revealed that 35% did not match their advertised substances, underscoring the critical need for increased local drug testing services…
A team from UNIGE has demonstrated that the production of dopamine, often referred to as the “happiness hormone,” is not linked to a higher risk…
Research reveals addiction has a genetic basis and is influenced by changes in brain gene expression, which can be altered by medications and lifestyle, providing…
Quitting smoking significantly increases life expectancy, with a study revealing that individuals who quit before age 40 nearly reach the life span of non-smokers. The…
The first-of-its-kind electrochemical test can identify trace quantities with a 98% accuracy rate. Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have created a first-of-its-kind,…
Alcohol ranks as the world’s most widespread addictive substance. In the United States, the annual cost of excessive alcohol consumption amounts to $249 billion, and…