Dynamical systems play an important role in modeling of a variety of cyclical processes in natural and manmade systems. In particular, they can be used to help to understand the mechanisms of drug addiction. Karthika Swamy Cohen tells about a recent paper published in SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems, where the authors Jacob Duncan, Teresa Aubele-Futch, and Monica McGrath use a fast-slow dynamical system model to analyze the interplay between levels of mood and craving in a patient with an addictive disorder.