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’ signalling model as associated with action potentials. Additionally, this approach is thought to better enunciate the underlying physiology behind the mental features characteristic to the disorder.