The brain is a master controller, organized into large-scale neural networks that directly affect whether people with addictions break free or surrender. Research has identified a key site, the action mode network (AMN), offering potential current and future ideas for more readily resolving addictions. This network supports goal-directed behavior, including making decisions, carrying out actions, and adjusting behavior.

In a 2025 paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Badke D’Andrea and colleagues used high-resolution fMRI scans to identify four subnetworks within the AMN, including decision, action, feedback, and bodily self. The AMN–Decision subnetwork weighs options and chooses between competing goals, while the AMN–Action subnetwork carries out chosen actions. AMN–Feedback monitors results of actions and adjusts behavior. Last, AMN–Bodily Self contributes a sense of self. This model helps us appreciate how the brain exerts self-control (or doesn’t), especially important when a person needs to resist powerful conditioned impulses like drug cravings.

Another paper, published in 2025 in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, explains how the brain stops intrusive thoughts, such as drug cravings or invasive unwanted memories. This process involves interconnected circuits. The brain's right dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) are key to inhibiting actions and thoughts. In addition, a frontotemporal pathway linking the PFC with the hippocampus helps suppress unwanted memories/mental images—especially those triggering cravings. The PFC detects when an intrusive thought appears and signals the hippocampus and other structures to suppress it. When this system is impaired—by drug use or mental illness—problematic impulses make it much harder to control behavior. Addictive cravings can also hijack memory and motivation circuits, increasing relapse risks.

The action mode network likely integrates with other networks detecting what’s emotionally or motivationally important. Part of that network flags need for action when something occurs in the environment, like sudden drug cravings. The AMN switches the brain from passive or reflective modes into goal-directed actions.

These systems work together to start/stop actions, affecting whether a person resists impulses or gives in. Importantly, the AMN doesn’t just help with inhibition. It also supports action-oriented self-regulation, helping individuals reorient toward positive, goal-driven behavior. When this system is........

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