Scientists discover brain circuit driving alcohol addiction relapse

8 Mwezi wa kumi, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a brain region that becomes hyperactive in rats, linking alcohol to relief from withdrawal stress and promoting relapse. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus plays a key role in this negative reinforcement learning. The findings, published on August 5, 2025, could inform treatments for addiction and related disorders.