Adrenal Cortex & Addiction: HPA Axis & Cortisol Influence Reward
Addiction involves complex interactions between the brain’s reward circuitry and stress systems. The adrenal cortex and its hormones are emerging as key players. Key Facts: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates adrenal cortex hormone secretion. Adrenal hormones like cortisol influence mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Disrupting adrenal hormone signaling reduces addictive behaviors in animal studies. There …
