Title : Crossed wires: The hall effect in substance use disorder
Abstract:
The underlying neuroscience of substance use disorder is becoming well elaborated. Nonetheless, some of the more subtle symptomatology is not well matched with underlying organic processes identified to date. The ability to explain mental phenomena with underlying brain processes is a strong part of the literature and valuable to those caring for persons. This article draws on current knowledge of the fundamentals of substance use disorder and expands on current literature surrounding axonal demyelination to suggest a likely mechanism for thought disorders commonly experienced by persons in recovery. Viewing demyelination and conduction through an analogue lens is more likely to represent the physics involved more accurately than an ‘on or off’ signaling model as associated with action potentials. Additionally, this approach is thought to better enunciate the underlying physiology behind mental features characteristic to the disorder.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn? The audience will learn that abnormalities of the white matter (axons) in the brain can be a major cause of subtle mental symptoms for people with SUD.
- How will this help the audience in their job? Gaining a better insight into this aspect of neurobiology of SUD allows professionals the opportunity to better assess, understand and make recommendations to their clients.
- Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching? A suggested approach to non-invasively measure neural pathway (white matter) conductivity characteristics is given.
- Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient? Yes, this suggests a far less expensive and technically challenging invasive procedure through the use of magnetic fields.
- Will it improve the accuracy of a design, or provide new information to assist in a design problem? Yes, this suggests a far less expensive and technically challenging invasive procedure through the use of magnetic fields.
- List all other benefits. More accurately and inexpensively assess axonal function and gauge progress through recovery.
