Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci October 2008 PMID 18640920

Review. The incentive sensitization theory of addiction: some current issues.

Terry E Robinson, Kent C Berridge

Mentions

6
Peak: 2 in Apr 2024
across 2 sources since Mar 2020

Extended reach

22,990
potential audience

Total likes

40

Video views

446

Mentions per month

Mar 2020 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter4 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect an engagement with the scientific distinctions in the paper, such as the critique of the term 'pleasure' in defining addiction and the importance of precise definitions, exemplified by comments on how the public uses 'addiction' loosely versus scientific criteria, illustrating a balanced blend of curiosity and skepticism that influences social perceptions of the research.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions seem to align with the idea that the publication clarifies or supports current scientific understandings of addiction, especially emphasizing the difference between scientific definitions and public perceptions.

InterestNeutral interest

The overall interest appears neutral; some social discussions show curiosity or skepticism, but there isn't overwhelming enthusiasm or disinterest.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts reference specific concepts like 'pleasure' and 'definition,' indicating some level of detailed engagement, though some comments are more dismissive or superficial.

ImpactModerate impact

The conversations hint at the paper influencing how people think about 'addiction,' especially in distinguishing scientific criteria from everyday language, suggesting a moderate impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The incentive sensitization theory of addiction suggests that drug use causes hypersensitivity in brain systems responsible for assigning importance to reward-related stimuli, leading to intense craving or "wanting" for the drug.
  • The text discusses current questions about how learning influences incentive sensitization, whether this hypersensitivity occurs in humans, and if addiction behaviors in animals are linked to this process.
  • It also explores how to best model addiction in animals, and the roles of positive pleasure and withdrawal symptoms in the development and maintenance of addiction.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Terry CB MSc
@TerryExSci · X

@sbrown64 @FoodFirst_Ty @g_spas @healthcoachkait @KenDBerryMD 1. https://t.co/NkhYS0fW3T 2. https://t.co/Ndg3MGqbOD 3. https://t.co/OzNOQWLWRM 4. https://t.co/8Khjozpg0V 5. https://t.co/QkP77SSPtj 6. https://t.co/Sh89CT2Izt https://t.co/eP4Cg0O1qa

Mar 30, 2020 · 3 likes · 440 followers View post →
غریبه آشنا
@ashna2020ashna · X

۲: اون همون “دوست داشتن” بود. ولی مغزت کم‌کم یاد گرفت نشونه‌های پاداش را بیشتر از خودِ محتوا بخواد. کشیدن صفحه باعث ترشح دوپامین می‌شه، حتی اگه پستا خسته‌کننده باشن. منبع: https://t.co/nt0SjBdvN8

Oct 12, 2025 · 2 likes · 3,961 followers View post →
Nicole Prause
@NicoleRPrause · X

@MwaqMfydh Yes, the public uses the term "addiction" loosely. Of course, science has a strict definition. Most scientists use this paper to define it https://t.co/cvzx5Y92OD

Apr 14, 2024 · 1 like · 9,072 followers View post →
Nicole Prause
@NicoleRPrause · X

@Liquidacid23 @TheoryPhd @PurifierAzrael That is definitely false. The most commonly-cited paper defining addictions doesn't even mention a "pleasure" criterion, which would be bizarre and does not exist. https://t.co/cvzx5Y92OD

Apr 14, 2024 · 1 like · 9,072 followers View post →

All mentions

غریبه آشنا
@ashna2020ashna · X

۲: اون همون “دوست داشتن” بود. ولی مغزت کم‌کم یاد گرفت نشونه‌های پاداش را بیشتر از خودِ محتوا بخواد. کشیدن صفحه باعث ترشح دوپامین می‌شه، حتی اگه پستا خسته‌کننده باشن. منبع: https://t.co/nt0SjBdvN8

Oct 12, 2025 · 2 likes · 3,961 followers View post →
Nicole Prause
@NicoleRPrause · X

@MwaqMfydh Yes, the public uses the term "addiction" loosely. Of course, science has a strict definition. Most scientists use this paper to define it https://t.co/cvzx5Y92OD

Apr 14, 2024 · 1 like · 9,072 followers View post →
Nicole Prause
@NicoleRPrause · X

@Liquidacid23 @TheoryPhd @PurifierAzrael That is definitely false. The most commonly-cited paper defining addictions doesn't even mention a "pleasure" criterion, which would be bizarre and does not exist. https://t.co/cvzx5Y92OD

Apr 14, 2024 · 1 like · 9,072 followers View post →
Terry CB MSc
@TerryExSci · X

@sbrown64 @FoodFirst_Ty @g_spas @healthcoachkait @KenDBerryMD 1. https://t.co/NkhYS0fW3T 2. https://t.co/Ndg3MGqbOD 3. https://t.co/OzNOQWLWRM 4. https://t.co/8Khjozpg0V 5. https://t.co/QkP77SSPtj 6. https://t.co/Sh89CT2Izt https://t.co/eP4Cg0O1qa

Mar 30, 2020 · 3 likes · 440 followers View post →