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Neurobiology and Spirituality in Addiction Recovery
A Kenison Roy1, Abdalla Bowirrat2, David E Smith3
1Department of Psychiatry, Tulane School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA., USA.
Acta Scientific Neurology
|January 31, 2022
Summary
This study examines the neurobiology of spirituality, exploring genetic engineering to enhance spiritual experiences. It investigates neurological links to reward systems and brain networks, suggesting interventions for well-being.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- Spirituality and religious experiences have a neurobiological basis.
- Understanding this basis may offer new avenues for enhancing human resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the neurobiology of spirituality.
- To investigate the potential and ethics of genetic engineering for enhancing spiritual experiences (gene-spirituality).
- To identify potential interventions for improving well-being through neurobiological targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of neurological connections related to spirituality.
- Examination of reward genes, reward deficiencies (RDS), mirror neuron system, and default mode network (DMN).
- Consideration of interventions from addiction medicine.
Main Results:
- Identified neurological links between spirituality and reward pathways, RDS, mirror neurons, and DMN.
- Proposed the 'neuro-spirituality connectome' as crucial for Purpose and Meaning of Life as Reward (PMLR).
- Suggested addiction medicine interventions as potential targets for treating RDS and balancing DMN.
Conclusions:
- The neurobiology of spirituality is complex, involving reward systems and specific brain networks.
- Genetic engineering for gene-spirituality is a theoretical possibility with ethical considerations.
- Interventions targeting the neuro-spirituality connectome may offer therapeutic potential for RDS and DMN imbalances.
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