Alcohol and other drugs can overpower the reward pathways of the brain. Simona Dumitru/Moment via Getty Images Many people are wired to seek and respond to rewards. Your brain interprets food as ...

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 ...

Hundreds of studies have confirmed that certain foods affect the brain similarly to other addictive 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 ...

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

Addictive personalities aren't real, but addiction is. Genetics, environment, and trauma are some factors that can contribute ...

Learn about opioid use disorder, the importance of recovery, and how the brain changes when using opioids. Understand the ...

Suzetrigine prevents pain signals from reaching the brain and doesn't give an opioid-like high, making it non-addictive—but it's expensive. reading time 2 minutes To treat acute pain, doctors in the U ...

Playing certain brain-training games may boost production of a neurotransmitter responsible for attention and focus, ...

“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 ...