Addiction Insights: 8 Key Psychology Studies

Discover the powerful role played by cognitions, motivation, the emotions, and biology in trying to beat addiction. 

Discover the powerful role played by cognitions, motivation, the emotions, and biology in trying to beat addiction. 

There is little doubt that addiction is very difficult to treat in the long-term.

While people sometimes make progress initially, they frequently relapse.

The reason seems to be a complex interaction between biology, upbringing and genetics: in other words, the same as many other mental health issues.

However, treatments can be moderately successful and some of the key insights are contained in the latest studies on addiction below.

These 8 studies are from the members-only section of PsyBlog: if you are not already, find out how to become a PsyBlog member here.

1.

These Are The Best Psychological Treatments For Addiction

Motivation is key to even a moderate short-term change — but this can still be beneficial to some people.

2.

Why Addicts Find It So Hard To Quit

The addict’s failure to form an accurate mental model of their behaviour is partly why they find it so hard to quit.

3.

This Emotion Fights Addictive Behaviours

The emotion protected people from problem gambling.

4.

The 5 Stages Of Internet Addiction: How To Spot The Signs

Around 40 percent of people in the study were either self-confessed addicts or addicts-in-denial.

5.

The Best Mindset To Beat Addiction

Understanding the reasons for addiction can help empower people.

6.

The Biological Cause Of Addiction

More Americans now die of opioid overdoses than in car accidents.

7.

How To Reduce Binge Drinking Desire

People sensitive to the temptations of alcohol could focus on their mission, purpose and values in life.

8.

The Best Way To Treat Alcohol And Drug Addiction

Deaths from overdoses of opioids, methadone, cocaine and heroine are at all-time highs in the US.

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Author: Dr Jeremy Dean

Psychologist, Jeremy Dean, PhD is the founder and author of PsyBlog. He holds a doctorate in psychology from University College London and two other advanced degrees in psychology. He has been writing about scientific research on PsyBlog since 2004.

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