It is frequently said that addiction occurs when drugs “hijack” the brain. It’s hard to nail down what that means, but it does rightly suggest that there is an involuntary takeover of the brain that ...

Sobriety didn’t restore the old version of me; it allowed me to build a new one from the driftwood of the past,” ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Treating substance use disorders is incredibly challenging. One ...

Within the brain, chemical neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine regulate mood, emotions and many physiological and behavioral processes. Their imbalance can contribute to anxiety, ...

A new brain imaging study suggests that people who report symptoms of addiction to short-form video platforms—such as TikTok or Instagram Reels—may be less sensitive to financial losses and make ...

Drinking alcohol can also cause both short term and long term changes to your brain. Here’s what you need to know.

The drive to drink for someone with alcohol addiction often transforms from a pursuit of pleasure to a desperate need to escape the profound discomfort of withdrawal. New research has now identified a ...

PET imaging has revealed the first evidence in humans of changes in brain chemistry among people who use both substances.

Scientists have found that the process of adaptive myelination, which helps the brain learn new skills, can also promote addiction to opioids. Our brains, even in adulthood, continually adapt to what ...

Teens who spend lots of time on social media have complained of feeling like they can’t pay attention to more important things like homework or time with loved ones. A new study has possibly captured ...

“I don’t understand why he just can’t stop abusing alcohol.” Turns out that addiction is a whole lot more complicated than just saying “no.” Although the stigma of addiction as a moral failing ...