Oreos as addictive as cocaine, study finds

WASHINGTON -- If you have a hard time putting down that pack of Oreos, there's a reason why. New research shows that the tasty snack is as addictive as cocaine, at least in lab rats.

Researchers say eating sugary treats activate more neurons in the brain's pleasure center than the addictive drug.

For the study, the researchers at Connecticut College let the rats choose which chamber to hang out in. One with Oreos, and one with cocaine and morphine.

Just as rats preferred the chamber where the drugs were, they preferred the chamber with the cookies. The student behind the study says she wanted to explore how foods with high fat and sugar content contribute to obesity in low-income communities.

And just like most people, the rats eat the creamy center first.