Interoception Within the Context of Impulsivity and Addiction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to examine the relationship between impulsivity and interoception in addiction, to summarize the current understanding of the topic, identify any gaps in knowledge, and provide directions for future research. RESEARCH FINDINGS: Interoception may be a contributing factor to impulsive behaviour and, thus, addiction. Substance abuse can negatively impact the brain’s ability to process interoceptive information and impact the reward system, leading to decreased sensitivity to natural rewards and increased sensitivity to drugs. There is potential for new therapies, such as mindfulness, interoceptive training, brain stimulation, or vagal nerve stimulation to target both impulsivity and interoception in the treatment of addiction. SUMMARY: Despite a growing interest in interoception in addiction research, further research is needed to better understand the role of interoception in addiction and to develop new methods for studying how individuals with addiction process and perceive internal bodily sensations.