Understanding the Brain’s “Action Mode”
Moving toward saying no to drugs, cravings, and risky choices
By Mark S Gold
Published by Psychology Today on July 24, 2025
Key points
• Brain systems detecting, suppressing, and inhibiting drug memories/urges have been discovered.
• Key brain mechanisms suggest the possibility of addicted people choosing to inhibit unwanted thoughts.
• Managing cravings and relapse prevention aren’t about willpower alone. Saying no is a learnable skill.
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.
