The inner island of addiction

Addiction recovery is unfolding right now. New and older, but still effective treatment plans are being researched and refined. Each type of addiction is studied to unlock the chemical hooks that trap the user.

Previous research on the neurobiology of addiction has focused on subcortical systems, such as the amygdala and the mesolimbic/dopaminergic system, to understand motivation to seek drugs. Recent evidence indicates that a largely overlooked structure, the insula, plays a crucial role in conscious drives to use drugs.

The insula has been highlighted as a region that integrates bodily states into conscious feelings and into decision-making processes involving uncertain risk and reward. Researchers have dubbed it “the hidden island of addiction.”

Drug addiction is at epidemic levels. Mobile morgues are caring for overdose victims in some of the states hardest hit by the opioid crisis. By itself, cigarette smoking is the most common addictive behavior and is the largest preventable cause of death in the developed world. Some say it’s harder to quit nicotine than heroin. Their chemical hooks dive so deep.

Drug addiction is a psychological imbalance that turns into a physical addiction. Compulsive drug use that persists despite negative consequences is the hallmark of addiction. Driving under the influence of alcohol is the terrible choice that many make.

‘Chemical substance use disorder’ is a set of physiological and psychological processes, such as tolerance, withdrawal, constant urges and poor decision making. Each has distinct but complementary roles in the development and maintenance of addiction.

For now, an addict’s best friend is knowledge. Choosing who to share information with is critical to getting real help, not a damning lecture. Exposing a problem causes many to immediately avoid the user. What has been described as ‘tough love’ has led thousands and thousands of families directly to the cemetery or morgue.

These ‘accidental addicts’ are the product of a profit-driven drug industry that is crippling our country. Oxycontin was introduced with a ‘low risk of addiction’. My little sister ‘accidentally’ believed them and took what her doctor ‘accidentally’ prescribed. We buried her two years later.

There is no more time to blame the user until we preserve the innocent victims. Treat addiction as an imbalance, rather than a moral failure, that needs to be addressed by professionals. MAT, Medication Assisted Therapy, is new but is beginning to prove effective in curbing active addiction.

Every addict tells the same story. Neither planned to get up, ingest a calming chemical, and completely destroy his life and the lives of everyone around him. It’s a nightmare being shared in recovery groups around the world.

Addiction treatment is like fishing in the boat with Jesus. If you’ve tried this before and it didn’t work, recast your network. This time, a treatment option that works may be within your reach. Get ready for it.