In the 1970s a researcher named Bruce Alexander was researching addiction using rats.

Rats in lab cages were given a choice of plain water or water laced with morphine. They chose the morphine like all the time. Many overdosed.

Then he built “Rat Park”. A 200x larger play space with food, play toys, other rats to play with.

They were given the same choice in water. Most chose plain water, none overdosed. He forced a set to get addicted, but in Rat Park they chose to go through withdrawal.

I think about this study from time to time when it seems like my alcohol intake is a bit high or I start smoking, etc.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs

Originally posted on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jimfwallace/post/DQu5b82ATb5