How addiction can change the way we think about free will?

The aim of this paper is to analyze the neurobiology of addiction and consider if it can contribute to a better understanding of free will. In the first part, we study the role of cortico-subcortical loops mechanism in addiction. Empirical data show that addiction leads to the structural remodeling of the striatum. These changes making the striatum more difficult to inhibit by the neocortex, which disrupts the ability to make decisions. In the second part, we introduce six criteria of voluntary abilities (based on a literature review) and integrate this view with cortico-subcortical loops conception. We suggest that the cortico-subcortical loops mechanism can play a relevant role in inducing spontaneous actions.