Tag: Sugar dependence

In the U.S., studies show that nearly 10% of adolescents are at risk of energy drink dependency, with rates rising worldwide due to aggressive marketing. These beverages can trigger a cycle of tolerance and withdrawal, leading to physical and psychological reliance.

According to a 2024 study, sugary drinks can cause intestinal changes that lead to a "molecular addiction," rewiring your body to crave more. So, what does it mean if I crave fizzy drinks beyond just habit? It could point to a number of underlying physiological and psychological triggers, not just a simple thirst.

In recent years, animal studies have shown that excessive sugar intake activates the brain's reward system in a way that mimics drug-like effects, prompting the critical question: can you be physically dependent on sugar?. This debate navigates the complex interplay between neurobiology, behavior, and the pervasive availability of sweet foods in our modern diet.