Addiction is often explained in simple ways: weak willpower, bad habits or the desire to escape painful feelings.
But decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and behavioural science has transformed what we know about addiction -- from the thoughts and feelings that drive it to the traits and mindsets that can help people recover.
Here are 16 psychology studies that shed light on the causes of addiction and the factors that aid recovery.
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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. View all posts by Dr Jeremy Dean