The Brain & Addiction

NOTE: Registration (not just RSVP here) is Required for this event HERE. Space is limited.

Can you explain the difference between coffee and cocaine addictions, or gambling vs shopping addiction? If not, you don’t want to miss this!

People use the term “addicted” all the time – “You’re addicted to that show.” “I’m addicted to morning coffee.” Consider these terms: preference, habit, obsession, use disorders, addiction. Do they look different in your brain? Can you define the difference between a caffeine addiction and a cocaine one? Or between food and alcohol? What about social media, cell phone usage, compulsive shopping, gambling, or online gaming?

If you’re curious about differences between substance addictions and behavioral ones, or what’s being learned about addictions from the widespread use of new medications for obesity, you won’t want to miss this program.

Dr. Celeste Napier of Rush University will give a fascinating talk explaining how scientists study addiction, what neuroscience tells us about it, and why that matters. You’ll gain an understanding of how the brain works when any of us make unhealthy choices. This talk will help you better appreciate disorder differences, and how to support those who suffer from use disorders and addictions.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at 6:30pm; doors open at 6:00pm
Sulzer Public Library
4455 N Lincoln Av, Chicago, IL 60625
Free, but Registration (not just RSVP on Meetup) is Required HERE.

T. Celeste Napier, PhD, is Professor Emerit of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Napier is also the Education Advisor for the IL Council on Problem Gambling and on the Scientific Advisory Board for the International Center for Responsible Gaming.

FAQs

Best route for public transit
The CTA Brown line stop at Western is about 2.5 blocks north of the library, just west of Lincoln Av at Western Av. The #49 Western bus stops about 2 blocks west at Sunnyside. The #78 Montrose bus stops about 1.5 blocks east on Montrose. Easy!

What's the parking situation?
There is a small free parking lot behind the library. Street parking in the area is frequently metered, so use the ParkChicago app to pay by zone. If on a non-metered street, be sure it isn't restricted to only cars with a certain numbered sticker. We wouldn't want you to get a ticket!

Will there be food & drink available?
No, but the Library allows patrons to bring their own beverages. (We won't tell if you need to bring a snack if you're discrete and it's not loud or smelly.) There are lots of restaurant options both north and south of the library on Lincoln for dining before or after the talk.

Will this be appropriate for kids?
All ages are welcome, just know that the talk's content will be most accessible for those of at least high school age.