How is an “addicted” brain different from a “normal” brain?

People use the term “addicted” all the time – “You’re addicted to that show.” “I’m addicted to morning coffee.” Consider these terms: preference, habit, pattern, obsession, addiction. Do they look different in your brain? Could you define the difference between a caffeine addiction and a cocaine one? Or between food and alcohol? What about social media, cell phone usage, compulsive shopping, gambling, or online gaming? If you’re curious about the difference between a substance addiction and behavioral one, or what’s being learned from the widespread use of new medications for obesity, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from a real expert all about the brain and addiction. 

Dr. Celeste Napier of Rush University will give a fascinating talk explaining how scientists study addiction, what neuroscience tells us about it, and why that matters. You’ll gain an understanding of how the brain works when any of us make unhealthy choices, This talk help you better appreciate disorder differences, and how to support those that suffer from use disorders and addictions.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at 6:30pm; doors open at 6:00pm

Sulzer Public Library, 4455 N Lincoln Av, Chicago, IL 60625

Free, but Registration is Required HERE.

T. Celeste Napier, PhD, is Professor Emerit of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Napier is also the Education Advisor for the IL Council on Problem Gambling and on the Scientific Advisory Board for the International Center for Responsible Gaming.