What do Tourette syndrome, heroin addiction and social media obsession all have in common? They converge in an area of the brain called the striatum, says neuroscientist Rachel Wurzman -- and this critical discovery could reshape our understanding of the opioid crisis. Sharing insights from her research, Wurzman shows how social isolation contributes to relapse and overdose rates and reveals how meaningful human connection could offer a potentially powerful source of recovery.

Rachel Wurzman: How isolation fuels opioid addiction

How isolation fuels opioid addiction

Loneliness acts like hunger, neurochemically priming us for connection. In its absence, we may turn to opioids for relief.

The brain's striatum, a nexus of social and drug-induced rewards, suggests recovery needs more than just breaking habits.

Exploring how social bonds can combat addiction, loneliness can intensify the brain's craving for opioids, fueling addiction cycles.