How stress and substances reshape hunger, itch, and motivation

These posts explore how internal states like stress and cannabis use dramatically alter the way the brain processes bodily sensations. One article unpacks the neural and reward circuits behind cannabis-induced “munchies,” showing how THC can hijack hunger and motivation. The other maps how, under acute stress, the brain deprioritizes sensations like itching to focus resources on immediate threats. Together they highlight that sensations such as hunger and itch aren’t just raw inputs, but filtered experiences shaped by context, emotion, and survival needs.