چکیده مقاله
Introduction: Recent neurobiological studies have indicated that excessive sugar consumption may activate the same reward pathways in the brain—particularly the dopaminergic system—as addictive substances such as cocaine or opioids This overlap has raised concerns about whether high sugar intake can contribute to addiction like behaviors and potentially increase vulnerability to substance use disorders This paper aims to explore the relationship between sugar intake and drug addiction from behavioral, psychological, and neurological perspectives Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative review approach by systematically analyzing existing literature A total of 30 peer reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were selected from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar The articles focused on sugar’s impact on the brain's reward system, behavioral addiction patterns, and its potential connection with substance abuse Findings: Findings from both animal and human studies suggest that sugar can overstimulate dopamine and opioid receptors in the brain, similarly to addictive drugs Individuals in recovery from substance use disorders often report intense cravings for sweets, which may serve as a compensatory mechanism for reduced dopamine activity Furthermore, early life exposure to high sugar intake may increase impulsivity and sensitivity to rewards, potentially elevating the risk of substance abuse in adulthood Conclusion: The reviewed evidence highlights a significant overlap between sugar consumption and addiction related neurobiological mechanisms Recognizing this relationship may contribute to better prevention and treatment strategies for both dietary and substance related addictions Future research should focus on longitudinal and clinical studies to clarify causality and therapeutic implications
کلیدواژهها
نویسندگان
Zahra Karimi
School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Siavash Fazelian
Clinical Research Development Unit, Ayatollah Kashani Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
Fatemeh Fatahian
Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
Tina Lari
Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
شیوه ارجاع
Karimi, Zahra and Fazelian, Siavash and Fatahian, Fatemeh and Lari, Tina,1404,Exploring the Relationship Between Sugar Consumption and Drug Addiction: A Conceptual Review,20th International Conference on Health, Treatment and Health Promotion
ارائهشده در
مجموعه مقالات بیستمین کنفرانس بین المللی بهداشت، درمان و ارتقای سلامت24 مرداد 1404