It's more than just interoception: The insular cortex involvement in alcohol use disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition impacting brain structures.
• The insular cortex is increasingly recognized for its role in substance use disorders.
• Its complex functions and spatial organization present challenges in understanding its specific role in AUD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the involvement of the insular cortex in alcohol use disorder.
• To examine the insular cortex's function during abstinence and in response to alcohol-related stimuli.
• To explore the insular cortex's broader role in risky decision-making and impulse control related to alcohol consumption.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on the insular cortex and AUD.
• Analysis of neuroimaging studies investigating insular cortex activity in AUD.
• Discussion of functional roles based on current scientific understanding.

Main Results:

• The insular cortex is implicated in AUD, particularly in craving and relapse.
• It plays a role in processing alcohol-related cues and contexts.
• Its involvement extends to decision-making and impulse control in the context of alcohol use.

Conclusions:

• The insular cortex is a critical target for understanding and treating AUD.
• Further research is needed to fully map its complex functions in AUD.
• Challenges exist in therapeutically targeting the insular cortex for AUD treatment.