The link between stress addiction, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity and the risk of developing addictive behaviors

Cortisol, the central hormone of the body's stress response, plays a complex role in the development and maintenance of addictions. Recent research indicates that fluctuations in cortisol secretion can influence a person's susceptibility to addictive substances and behaviors, through the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Disorders related to the circadian rhythm of cortisol, hyperactivity or hypoactivity of the HPA axis, can increase the risk of compulsive behaviors and can alter neural reward mechanisms. This article examines the connections between cortisol secretion and the dopaminergic system, highlighting the link between stress, psychological resilience and predisposition to addictions. The implications of these findings for therapeutic treatments are also analyzed, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches that integrate the neuroendocrine state of patients.