The Washington Times

Addiction a brain disorder, not just bad behavior

And while most of the neuroscience centers on drug and alcohol addiction, the society notes that it’s possible to become addicted to gambling, sex or food although there’s no good data on how often that happens. It’s time for better study to find out, Miller says.

Meanwhile, Volkow says intriguing research is under way to use those brain findings to develop better treatments _ not just to temporarily block an addict’s high but to strengthen the underlying brain circuitry to fend off relapse.

Topping Miller’s wish list: Learning why some people find recovery easier and faster than others, and “what does brain healing look like.”

___

EDITOR’S NOTE _ Lauran Neergaard covers health and medical issues for The Associated Press.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments
blog comments powered by Disqus

      Independent voices from the TWT Communities

      Right Angles

      “Right Angles” explores serious subjects, such as the Islamization of the Middle East and delegitimization of Israel, with humor, candor and a twist.

      World View

      Columns from Voices around the World talking about the events, people, politics and social issues that concern us wherever, and whoever, we are.

      Lower 9th Ward Conservative

      Weekly agitation from a columnist who many believed to be one of the least likely to become known as a Conservative Republican.