Initial negative reactions to drugs may predict addiction risk, study finds

New research from the University of Texas at El Paso shows that initial negative reactions to drugs can influence addiction risk. In a study with rats, responses to a bitter-tasting substance paired with cocaine varied, leading to three distinct behaviors. Some rats avoided cocaine entirely after experiencing the bitterness, while others increased their use over time. A surprising third group started with heavy use but later reduced their consumption, indicating that early aversion plays a significant role in drug behavior. This study is the first to examine aversive experiences from the very first drug use. Future research will explore genetic and brain differences that may explain why some individuals are more susceptible to addiction than others.