The impact of environmental enrichment on addictive behaviors and compulsivity: Neurobiology and therapeutic interventions

Environmental enrichment refers to the enhancement of an individual's surroundings through increased complexity, novelty, and stimulation. In research, particularly in the fields of neurobiology and psychology, environmental enrichment has been shown to influence brain development, plasticity, and behavior. This area of research explores how varied and stimulating environments can alter neural pathways and impact mental health conditions, including addictive behaviors and compulsivity. Addictive behaviors, characterized by persistent and compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences, are often studied through the lens of neurobiological mechanisms involving brain circuits related to reward and impulse control. In this context, environmental enrichment has emerged as a potential therapeutic intervention by providing alternative stimulation and potentially mitigating the effects of addiction. This Research Topic explores how enriched environments might modify neurobiological responses to addiction and compulsivity and explores potential therapeutic strategies for improving mental health outcomes.

This Research Topic aims to address the significant gap in understanding how environmental enrichment influences addictive behaviors and compulsivity. The primary objective is to investigate how enhancing environmental conditions can influence addictive behaviors and compulsivity at a neurobiological level. This involves examining how enriched environments affect brain function and structure, particularly in areas associated with reward processing and impulse control. The Research Topic aims to identify how environmental enrichment can alter neurobiological pathways involved in addiction and compulsive behaviors, and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic intervention. Ultimately, the goal is to develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating addiction by leveraging environmental factors to promote mental health and well-being.

We encourage contributions that explore the following themes:

• Neurobiological Mechanisms: Investigations into how environmental enrichment influences brain circuits related to reward, motivation, and impulse control. This includes studies on changes in neurotransmitter systems, neural plasticity, neurogenesis, synaptic remodeling and brain structure.

• Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes: Studies examining the impact of environmental enrichment on behavioral and cognitive aspects of addiction and compulsive behaviors, such as impulse control, reward sensitivity, habit formation, drug-seeking behavior, craving and relapse.

• Comparative Studies: Investigations comparing the effects of environmental enrichment with other interventions or control conditions to assess relative efficacy.

• Mechanisms of Change: Research on how environmental enrichment might alter cognitive and emotional processes that contribute to addiction and compulsivity