addiction research
Addiction research, studies, and current treatment trends as reported in the media and by the CDC, NIH, and other organizations devoted to addiction research.
Posted under Marijuana
Traits of Individuals Who Use Both Marijuana and Alcohol
There has been extensive research conducted on the effects of alcohol. There has been increasing understanding of the effects of marijuana as well. Because those who use alcohol are most likely to choose to also use marijuana over other types of drugs, it is important to understand the consequences of pairing the two substances. Continue Reading
Posted under Food Addiction
Fatty Foods as Addictive as Cocaine?
Fatty foods don’t just affect your heart and your waistline; they also affect your brain, according to a recent study in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Scientists led by Paul Kenny, Ph.D., from Scripps Research Institute in Florida, found similar addictive responses in the brain between eating fatty processed foods and taking heroin or cocaine. Continue Reading
Posted under Shopping
Myths about Pornography Addiction May Hinder Treatment
The stereotypes and myths surrounding pornography addiction continue to spark debate among addiction experts, therapists, and patients. Fueled by celebrity headlines about pornography and sexual addiction, much of the debate hinges upon misunderstandings of the factors connected to the addiction. Continue Reading
Posted under Exercise Addiction
Addicted to Exercise
Exercise has been hailed as a “positive addiction,” which is something of a misnomer. Addicts, regardless of the object of their obsession, share certain psychological and behavior patterns. For example, addicted people crave more and more of the substance or behavior over time.
As the habit increases into a dependency, the person loses proper perspective. Responsibilities and relationships are laid on the altar and whenever the craving is not satisfied there is a withdrawal manifestation such as anger or depression. Could this happen with something as beneficial and desirable as exercise? Sadly yes. Continue Reading
Posted under Food Addiction
Food Addiction Symptoms Similar to Those of Drug Addiction
A research team from York University in Toronto will soon be presenting study results which compare food addiction to drug addiction and alcoholism. The team, led by Dr Caroline Davis, was particularly interested in discovering biological and psychological risk factors which could be relevant in the treatment of obesity. Dr Davis believes that her research will facilitate identification of obesity subsets and thereby give forward momentum toward development of more personalized obesity treatment.
Posted under Internet
Does Internet Addiction Truly Exist?
While excess computer time has certainly become a topic of debate, it has others wondering if the word "addiction" is being taken too far. Continue Reading
Posted under Cigarette Addiction
Genetic Variations Influence Risk of Nicotine Addiction in Adolescence and Adulthood
A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that risk factors for addiction change over time. Many studies focus on the risk factors for addiction in adolescence, because this phase of life is associated with the highest risk of addiction. Addiction risks in adolescence include pleasure-seeking, loss of inhibition, and lack of understanding of negative consequences of behavior. Risk factors in adulthood, on the other hand, include stress, anxiety, and depression.
Posted under Food Addiction
Study Finds Dopamine Levels Increase at Sight, Smell of Food in Binge Eaters
A new study has discovered that in binge eaters, just the sight or smell of favorite foods triggers a sharp increase in dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with reward and motivation. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory performed brain imaging studies, which suggest that the dopamine increase may play a role in binge eating. This could reveal a difference between obese individuals and compulsive overeaters.
Posted under Cigarette Addiction
Study Finds Smoking May Thin Brain’s Cerebral Cortex
Many studies have shown that smoking cigarettes is associated with brain abnormalities, and a new study has found that smoking might actually thin the cerebral cortex, which is an area of the brain that is responsible for many functions including language, memory, and information processing. Reducing cortical thickness has been linked to aging, impaired cognition, and reduced intelligence. This is the first study to look at the impact of smoking on cortical thickness.
Posted under Cocaine
Study Finds Female Rats Prefer Cocaine Over Food
A new study reveals surprising results: When given a choice between sweets and cocaine, male rats prefer sweets, and female rats prefer cocaine. Researchers presented the results at the November 2010 meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego, California.
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Everything you need to know to help a loved one struggling with addiction, from the writers and editors of Everything Addiction.
