Sugar addiction: Science, controversy, and the search for answers

Rising sugar consumption has prompted debates on whether it constitutes an addiction. This communication critically examines sugar addiction (SA) by outlining key similarities and differences with substance use disorders. Evidence on intoxication, craving, withdrawal, and neurobiology suggests partial overlap but important distinctions, particularly the absence of severe withdrawal, intoxication, and social dysfunction. Human studies remain limited, and current models rely heavily on animal data. SA appears to reflect compulsive behavioral patterns influenced by psychological, environmental, and metabolic factors rather than a classical addiction framework.