When someone becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol, the brain’s pleasure center gets hijacked, disrupting the normal functioning of its reward circuitry.
Continue reading… “Flipping The Brain’s Addiction Switch Without Drugs”
When someone becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol, the brain’s pleasure center gets hijacked, disrupting the normal functioning of its reward circuitry.
Continue reading… “Flipping The Brain’s Addiction Switch Without Drugs”
Some people can hold their drink better than others because they have a “happy hour” gene, claim scientists, who believe the discovery could lead to treatments for alcoholism. Researchers found that those who had the genetic make up were able to become hardened to the affects of alcohol and therefore able to drink more.
Continue reading… “Discovery of ‘Happy Hour’ Gene Could Lead to New Treatments for Alcoholism”
The former treasurer of a University of Wisconsin-Madison fraternity blamed an addiction to video games for his alleged theft of more than $12,000 from the fraternity’s coffers, according to a criminal complaint.
As reported by the Wisconsin State Journal, Jose Tavarez confessed to authorities that he used a fraternity debit card to buy games and computer gear…
Continue reading… “UW-Madison Frat Treasurer Busted Scamming $12,000 For Video Game Addiction”
A survey by the American Legacy Foundation found that 25 percent of American smokers said that worrying about the economy made them smoke more every day.
Continue reading… “Worrying About Economy Causes Increase In Smoking”
A newly created set of light-sensitive proteins grants scientists unprecedented control over the brain’s biochemistry, potentially shedding light on addiction and other complex neural processes. To demonstrate the potential of this novel molecular toolbox, researchers from Stanford University engineered mice to carry light-sensitive proteins in the brain’s reward center, which responds to drugs of abuse. Using pulses of light delivered directly to the brain, researchers were able to induce a druglike state, ultimately conditioning the mice to behave like drug-addicted animals.
Continue reading… “Hooked On Light – Could Reveal The Biochemistry Of Addiction”
One sister is 14; the other is 9. They are a vibrant pair: the older girl is high-spirited but responsible, a solid student and a devoted helper at home; her sister loves to read and watch cooking shows, and she recently scored well above average on citywide standardized tests.
Continue reading… “Crack Babies – The Epidemic That Didn’t Happen”
Love really could be a drug, say scientists, who believe that one day the feelings may be induced by popping a pill or smelling perfume. It may not be the most romantic gesture but scientists are developing drugs that can boost that most human of emotions.
Continue reading… “Scientists Developing Love Spray”
Repeat after me, “The penis was the original joystick.”
China’s People’s Liberation Army has made Sex education part of the detox methods for getting people over Internet addiction. They claim it works, but one woman under their care has acquired 68 virtual husbands.”
Continue reading… “China Treats “Internet Addicts” With Boot-Camp Discipline And Sex Ed”
Scientists have found answer to the question that intrigued women for years: Why men are ‘hooked’ on video games? According to the researchers, the ‘passion’ stems from a deep-rooted urge to conquer.
Continue reading… “Why Men Are Hooked On Video Games”
More than one-third of all Americans will soon receive better insurance coverage for mental health treatments because of a new law that, for the first time, requires equal coverage of mental and physical illnesses.
Continue reading… “Bailout Provides Broader Mental Health Coverage”
Researchers have pinpointed a gene that helps determine if an individual is at a risk for developing a nicotine addiction. Generally, when smoking a cigarette for the first time, people either experience a pleasant buzz or a nauseating cough.
Continue reading… “Scientists Discover Nicotine Addiction Gene”
A drug found effective in alcohol addiction also curbs the urge to gamble, according to a study.
Seventy seven people participated in the double-blind, placebo controlled study. Fifty eight men and women took 50, 100 or 150 milligrams of naltrexone every day for 18 weeks.
Continue reading… “Study: Naltrexone in Alcohol Curbs Gambling Urge”