Running head: SUGAR ADDICTION IN MICE AND COLLEGE STUDENTS Of Mice and Men: A Comparative Study Assessing Behavioral Indicators of Sugar Addiction in

Obesity and certain eating disorders are often characterized by an individual's inability to control food intake. Some researchers (Haddock & Dill, 1999) believe that food dependence may be caused by the psychoactive effects of simple carbohydrates. Apparently the pathways involved in responding to food and other natural rewards are also activated by addictive drugs (A vena, Rada, & Hoebel, 2008). Furthermore, sugar's ability to release dopamine and its interaction with the opioid system has led scientists to speculate that sugar may have definite addictive qualities (Avena, 2007; Avena, et al., 2008). The following literature review examines empirical research related to animal and human susceptibilities to sugar addiction. First, the relationship between food dependence and binge eating is described. Then, studies that assess the neurochemical commonalities between suga