AUDIO – MAKE UP YOUR MIND – STOLI or FINLANDA –
Mar. 26, 2026 – Scientists have argued that individuals with more severe substance use become less sensitive to negative consequences such as health problems or financial loss. However, real-world decisions are rarely that simple. People often face competing costs—for example, the discomfort of withdrawal or loneliness if they stop using versus the long-term harm of continuing. These decisions also take place in environments that can be stable or constantly changing, adding another layer of complexity.
Hence, the researchers behind this study wanted to move beyond simplified models of decision-making. Instead of focusing only on rewards or single types of cost, they examined how people compare multiple costs and how their decisions shift depending on the stability of their environment.
