ABSTRACT
Humans have long been known to use drugs and rewarding behaviors to modulate distress and emotions. Stress, trauma and negative emotional states challenge the individual to modulate and regulate these states. Perhaps you have even found yourself reaching for a cigarette, a joint, a beer or even that tub of chocolate chip ice-cream in the freezer. The central question of why some people may partake in these behaviors more than intended, and abuse and grow dependent on them, is at the heart of understanding the mechanisms that drive addiction vulnerability and resilience.
