Scientists find brain circuit that traps alcohol users in the vicious cycle of addiction

[Робот]

Addiction often isn’t about chasing pleasure—it’s about escaping pain. Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered that a tiny brain region called the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) becomes hyperactive when animals learn that alcohol eases the agony of withdrawal. This circuit helps explain why people relapse: their brains learn that alcohol brings relief from stress and anxiety.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 051124.htm