Remarkable scientific progress over the past five decades has helped us develop knowledge of how drugs of abuse induce pleasure, reinforce use, and lead to the compulsive self-administration we call ...

For the first time, scientists have shown in animals how heavy alcohol use can cause long-lasting damage to brain circuits that control decision-making. The study, published in the journal Science ...

Addiction has causes that are neurobiological, psychological and structural. Treating these drivers is as important as managing the initial withdrawal. Medically managed withdrawal does not restore ...

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

Addiction is one of the most intensely studied conditions in modern medicine, yet even with high‑resolution brain scans and genetic tools, scientists still cannot fully explain why some people get ...

Alcohol can make you feel anxious or irritable the next day. We asked experts what causes this — and how to manage it.

Your endless scroll may be costing you more than just your time. New research shows it’s changing the way you think and make decisions. These days, almost everything is available in the form of quick, ...

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Emma Fenske, DO, Oregon Health & Science University (THE CONVERSATION) Addiction is ...