Trauma Reminders Increase Drug Cravings — Negative Affect Is the Link
Trauma reminders trigger substance craving — but the path runs through negative emotions, not directly. A 2026 meta-analysis quantifies the link.
Addiction
Global Addiction Rates Fell 17%; U.S. Rates Increased 24%
Global age-standardized substance-use-disorder rates fell 16.9% from 1990–2021. High-income North America rose 24%—the divergence US coverage misses.
Alcohol & Brain Volume in Older Adults: Cortical Thinning & White Matter Loss in Heavy Drinkers (250g/Week) (2023 Study)
Alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially among the elderly, have long been a subject of scientific inquiry. A recent study from Gothenburg, Sweden, provides new insights into how varying levels of alcohol consumption impact brain structure in individuals aged 70 and over. This research sheds light on the relationship between alcohol intake and the aging …
Internet Addiction Linked to 5-HT2A Receptor Polymorphism: Serotonin HTR2A Gene rs6313 (2024 Study)
In the digital age, Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) emerges as a complex interplay of technology, psychology, and genetics. This intricate relationship underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing IAD. A recent study analyzed the genetic underpinnings of internet addiction and discovered a strong link with the serotonin 2A receptor gene (HTR2A) …
Non-Medical Fentanyl Use: Drug Addiction Insights (2024 Review)
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid exponentially stronger than morphine, has transitioned from an unwanted contaminant in the illicit drug market to a sought-after substance among people who use drugs (PWUD). This shift underscores a critical change in drug use patterns, motivations, and the associated demographic and socioeconomic factors contributing to its rising preference. Highlights: Fentanyl’s Potency: …
CNQX as a Potential Drug Addiction Treatment via AMPA & Kainate Receptors (Glutamate) (2023 Study)
The journey to overcome addiction is fraught with challenges, not least due to the limited options available for pharmacological intervention. In recent research, the focus has shifted toward understanding the role of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the brain, in the development and persistence of addictive behaviors. One compound, CNQX, which antagonizes certain glutamate receptors, …
tDCS for the Treatment of Cravings in Drug Addiction (2023 Review)
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) emerges as a promising, noninvasive treatment for reducing cravings in substance addiction. This technique involves the use of scalp electrodes to modulate neural activity, influencing cravings associated with drug addiction or substance dependence. Despite its promise, further research is needed to standardize protocols and understand long-term efficacy. Highlights: tDCS significantly …