Rat Park Experiment

The Rat Park experiment, conducted in the late 1970s, explored the effects of environment on addiction. Researchers placed rats in two settings: one was a barren cage (isolated) and the other, a spacious, enriching environment filled with toys and opportunities for social interaction (Rat Park). When given the choice between plain water and water laced with drugs, rats in the barren cage consumed more drug-laced water, while those in Rat Park preferred plain water. This suggested that a supportive environment can reduce the likelihood of addiction, highlighting the significant role of social and environmental factors in substance use.