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It’s more than just interoception: The insular cortex involvement in alcohol use disorder
Author(s) -
Campbell Erin J.,
Lawrence Andrew J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/jnc.15310
Subject(s) - insular cortex , interoception , alcohol use disorder , alcohol , neuroscience , abstinence , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , biology , biochemistry , perception
Abstract Understanding brain structures and circuits impacted by alcohol use disorder is critical for improving our future prevention techniques and treatment options. A brain region that has recently gained traction for its involvement in substance use disorder is the insular cortex. This brain region is multi‐functional and spatially complex, resulting in a relative lack of understanding of the involvement of the insular cortex in alcohol use disorder. Here we discuss the role of the insular cortex in alcohol use disorder, particularly during periods of abstinence and in response to alcohol and alcohol‐related cues and contexts. We also discuss a broader role of the insular in alcohol‐associated risky decision making and impulse control. Finally, we canvas potential challenges associated with targeting the insular cortex to treat individuals with alcohol use disorder.