io9: Addiction

This is what your brain on drugs really looks like

Robert T. Gonzalez — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:05:00 PST

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Scientists this week published a study that reveals what the human brain looks like under the influence of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic chemical found in magic mushrooms. More »

Nicotine and alcohol addiction linked to a common enzyme

Tim Barribeau — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:40:00 PDT

Cigarettes and booze are either two crippling addictions that often go hand in hand, or two great tastes that taste great together, depending on who you ask. People who have problems with both are often labelled "addictive personalities" but it turns out there might be something in our brain chemistry that ties both of these addictions together, and might give us a way to fight it. More »

Salt cravings may be the origin of all drug addictions

Tim Barribeau — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:00:00 PDT

All humans crave salt once in a while. The desire is hardwired into an ancient part of our brains, the hypothalamus, because we need it to keep our bodies working properly. Now it looks like some of the more addictive drugs out there could be co-opting this neurological system — which means our desire for salt is what underlies our cravings for everything from heroin to coffee. More »

We've found the part of the brain that makes people want to do cocaine

Alasdair Wilkins — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:36:04 PDT

Cocaine is a hugely addictive drug, capable of fundamentally changing the brains of those who use it. But that dependence doesn't necessarily come out of nowhere, as we've now discovered what part of the brain predisposes people to cocaine use. More »

Energy drink consumption linked to increased risk of alcoholism

Tim Barribeau — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:17:55 PST

With the recent ban on alcohol/caffeine combo drink Four Loko in five states, the war on booze-filled energy drinks continues, bolstered by new research showing that heavy consumers are more likely to become alcoholics. More »

Brain chemistry may explain why men are more likely to become alcoholics

Cyriaque Lamar — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:10:00 PDT

Men are up to twice as likely to become alcoholics than women, and a new study indicates that this propensity may be tied to dopamine production. Researchers found that men's brains are hardwired to release more dopamine when consuming booze. More »

One brain scan could reveal whether you're at risk of drug addiction

Annalee Newitz — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:57:40 PDT

Having an impulsive personality means that you jump into situations without thinking through the consequences. Now scientists think they can see "impulsiveness" at work in the brain - and it looks a lot like potential drug addiction. More »

One Mutation Could Prevent You From Becoming An Alcoholic

Tim Barribeau — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:56:14 PDT

Do you feel exhausted after a couple of drinks? Need constant Red Bull infusions to make it out of the bar? You might have a mutation that prevents you from becoming an addict. More »

Mice Endure Electrical Shocks For Chocolate

Alasdair Wilkins — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:30:00 PST

Is chocolate as addictive as heroin? Possibly. In a new study, mice willingly subjected themselves to electrical shocks in pursuit of a chocolate treat. More »

A Chinese Cure for Internet Addiction

Annalee Newitz — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:41:33 PDT

It's the future of nanotech pseudo-science and rehab all rolled into one strange package. Fritz Hoffmann took this picture for National Geographic in Guangdong province capital city Guangzhou. Apparently these strange masks, which remind me of something out of a cyberpunk anime, are "nanometer wave machines" used to cure addiction. The person second from right is being cured of "internet addiction." Other treatments include isolation and electro-shock. More »

A Drug to Make You Stop Taking Drugs?

Annalee Newitz — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:15:09 PST

A new study reveals that people with addictive personalities also tend to have highly-developed "impulsivity" structures in their brains. Often their impulsive behaviors — and thus their tendencies to eat a zillion drugs — can be curbed with a little dopamine boost. Will we be seeing dopamine-primers and enhancers hitting the market for drug addicts? [Eurekalert] More »