Disconnected Brains: How isolation fuels opioid addiction | Rachel Wurzman | TEDxMidAtlantic

[@tmc3567]

The irony of my existence is i feel spiritually connected to everyone yet totally alienated.

[@cnacks4835]

Opiates feel like love. My addiction is based on my lack there off. The irony is as you go deeper down the opiate rabbit hole you get farther and farther away from others.

[@lynnwilliams8295]

Yes! They feel like the warm hug that you so desperately need. I got on them while living with an abusive spouse. Then I lived with a relative I took care of with dementia and the abuse continued (even though the person didn’t mean it and couldn’t help it) I was abused by family who gave me little support or help. I was so lonely and broken I needed love. I needed that warm hug and unfortunately I found the closest thing I could find which was the feeling I got on meds. I only realized the depths of the cause of my addiction recently. I thought I was weak and that I was genetically predisposed. Maybe I am but the need for love and acceptance is what really fueled it

[@krystalriley10]

Exactly. It gives you a calm feeling even knowing that you have them with you right next to you ready to love you and make you feel good.

[@krystalriley10]

Sad. At one point it was my only friend and even if i left it in the car i would freak out. Very sad time in my life glad to be getting passed that. Lets just say i was really lonely

[@FrenchedBaguette]

This is so true. I’ve explained that opiates feel like a warm embrace. You can literally feel it wash over you. The sense of calm, the anxiety washes away. Unfortunately in the long run it makes it all worse. This is very insightful 💕

[@juansantoyo9170]

I found out about Dextromethorphan and ever since I been addicted

[@WaismannMethod]

Loneliness is one of the most aggravating symptoms of depression, which fuels addiction.

[@Mari-m9i6q]

@@WaismannMethod when you are young it's a tragedy but hit the middle aged crowd and then "taking up airspace" is how I feel society treats addicted. But food and alcohol all around us. It's a matter of legalities and private insurance.

[@tamsin1969]

As an addict for over 35 years, and having ptsd which is isolating, this makes so much sense. I'm actually withdrawing from methadone now. Hoping this time I'll make it, and I will remember this talk. Thank you.

[@brodielynn5273]

I hope you make it this time as well!! Sending much love your way…wishing you all the very best 🖤🖤

[@mikemiller659]

I'm currently using h and have been for 26 yrs. I live alone with a companion dog. ive tried the Mdone detox but when reaching a Low dose and became clean I Could Not sleep..My Only escape. the boardum loneleness day after day.

[@jongrotrian5067]

@@mikemiller659imo you were lowering your dose too fast once you got to the lower doses. I had to go SLOW once I was below 50 mg/day. I hope you’re in a good place now.

[@oscarfranciscoramirezdelpr576]

You're not the only one. You've inspired me to do the same thing you're about to do, and that is, to get away from meth and go back to social interaction.

[@emma-vn3nl]

Sending you so much love.

[@JohnnyBravo02]

This is so true . People these days feel lonely even when we aren’t alone . The social connection isn’t there anymore even DURING social interaction. From the lack of intimacy and not being in the moment .

[@cantgetrightwithtravislloy2267]

N that's due 2 everyone being glued 2 their phone or sme other form of technology

[@JohnnyBravo02]

CAN'T GET RIGHT WITH TRAVIS LLOYD that’s right

[@mikemiller659]

Its the Lack of Genuine interaction, people are afraid to expose their feelings & thoughts to straingers

[@cachebovine3719]

As an opiate addict, let me say that every point she made hit the target dead on. And i've never felt more hopeless.

[@kelliborg4090]

This is one lecture that made sense. Keep reaching out to people.

[@allisond.46]

At least now you have something that might work.

[@lisacolbert5987]

"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is Connection."

[@annalisette5897]

Respectfully, why do addictions break up good, connected families and relationships? And as I put in a comment above, when I was young it seemed almost all adults smoked cigarettes. It was the social feel-good, get-to-know-you, sharing, instant friendship activity. People participating in that warm, friendly activity became just as irrevocably addicted to nicotine as any lonely, disconnected people have become addicted to other substances. (I am a journalist researcher and have the means to support medical research which I intend to do in the area of addiction. I am most sincere in my question and comments.)

[@ohthefuture7618]

@@annalisette5897 I wish you nothing but success in that endeavor.

[@annalisette5897]

@@ohthefuture7618 Thank you! Last week I began actual work on my plan.

[@ohthefuture7618]

@@annalisette5897 Great to hear. I got clean in 2011 after spending all of my 20s in the cycles of opiate addiction. While doing awesome, now, those cycles are still happening in other less harmful ways. Interested to read any results of your study or even help by sharing my story or something

[@annalisette5897]

@@ohthefuture7618 Thank you so much! I plan to get my own crowd funding site and let scientists in the field post their needs, if their goals meet my criteria. It will all have to be physiological research, no talk therapy or political action. There are some really interesting findings out there but it looks like lots of the best work does not get funding. I have further resources to make sure full funding is available. My financial advisers say my plan is solid. I studied biochemistry but do not have a degree. In the years since I studied, things have moved ahead so fast it is unlikely I could catch up at my age. Middle age, so to speak. So I look at my strengths. I have great resources, am related to some famous people and I am a journalist. I can read a scientific paper and have some idea if research is likely to succeed. As a writer I can push the best work in the field. By crowd funding I can expand my capabilities. IMO, addiction changes brain chemistry and sometimes structure, perhaps permanently, perhaps not always. The easiest segment to study is nicotine addiction because so many people are so easily addicted to nicotine and the mechanisms are not as complex as with some other substances. It is quite a public health industry at this time to provide "smoking cessation" at great cost to the system, agony for the patient and little success. After all the effort many people return to smoking long after detox, living 'smoke-free', etc. Why? How can the brain be healed? (From all addictions.)

[@rickgreen7393]

As a Chemical Dependency counselor and addictions researcher …. this is the first academic presentation that emotionally moved me to tears... tears of hope and empathy. I have known intuitively the concepts Rachel speaks to … but her research validates my observations. The emotional part is that I know the horrible pain of disconnection and research like this may lead some day to prolonged disconnection in addiction (during early treatment and post treatment) being a thing of the past.

[@pokr122]

I’m an opioid addict. Rick Green. I have isolated myself from everyone in my life. I would be so pissed off if I had a chance to die and someone ruined it. My isolation and addiction have grown together quite nicely. She is EXACTLY precise in every statement pertaining to my personal situation. Even my dog senses my despondency. Also, I’m getting dumber each week. I tweeted the same in 2014. ‘ I am losing 2 IQ points very month’. Wow, somehow zombied my way through 4 years.

[@rickgreen7393]

I am so sorry for the pain you feel. I don't know what you have tried to find treatment and relief. Please don't consider taking your life as an option. New treatments are becoming available. I have seen people with cases similar to you, go on to feel whole again. I would really recommend you look at NAD IV therapy as a starting place. There are many videos on youtube about NAD (or NADH or NAD+) for detox, addiction, brain repair, and treating psychological and physical disorders. My intuition tells me this will help you. Wish you the best. Don't quit before the MIRACLE happens.

[@jonasmoerman5187]

Same here, speed and having nobody goes hand in hand...

[@rickgreen7393]

Jonas, as with Dogmanaz, I am so sorry for your suffering. Please don't give up hope. There are over 22.5 million Americans who have recovered from addiction, and they all are with you. You can call your local AA Central Service Office and they will send someone to help you, and get you treatment if necessary. Don't give up, don't every give up. You are not alone.

[@RardTangler]

Hi Rick, I have a question. I've been receiving treatment for opioid addiction with Suboxone. As you probably know, Suboxone has Nalaxone in it. And I've been experiencing a sort of social disconnect over the last few months. Could this be due to the nalaxone in the Suboxone? It really made sense to me when she said it...

[@flowersbychallais]

Wow!! I’m studying Bio-Psych in school right now, and I’m 6 years a recovered addict. This makes SO much sense!! Great talk 👍

[@JenLyn78]

Wow...I've never heard what my life has become described so well. She gets it. She really gets me....love, light and we'll wishes to all of you out there struggling like I do EVERYDAY!! Much love to EVERY one out here stuck in this horrendous cycle that has become my life.

[@gingermace5703]

Her study is amazing ! A science-backed study of how people addicted to drugs might need repetitive social interactions to curb their 'need' for drugs. All drug treatment centers ought to have social and craft clubs as part of their drug treatment plan, and maybe so should places outside of drug treatment places too, with those on drugs or tempted to use drugs encouraged to 'join up' and do something that interests them repetitively. A hobby or passion should be their drug.

[@willstanton6169]

@monsieur ferluci EXACTLY. AA, NA, CA, etc., I don't THINK, is all about sitting in a room, talking, listening to others, and drinking coffee.... There is a whole WORLD out there, and countless things to do IN that world....with others. Just a thought.

[@sundancevermont]

I have watched this 3 times already. I would love to bring her in as a speaker fro the entire State government to hear and learn from. Brilliant research! FinallY!

[@tinamarietaylor3346]

This is amazing! I am an addict, not opiates but that's neither here nor there... Addiction is addiction. . This is right up there with one of my favorite explanations of addiction. The Best Explanation of Addiction I've ever Heard Dr Gabor Mate

[@amberscottcmt7400]

So on point. I went into recovery but didn't find social connection there. The more I tried too make friends and didn't succeed, the more prone I was to relapse... Conversely, last year I gave up my drug of choice on my own and felt proud of myself and good about the choice, but I wasn't reaching for connection and feeling denied. It's easier to accept being alone than to reach for connection, and be alone because it was not reciprocated. That puts loneliness into hyperdrive... And then to have others in recovery respond to admitting feeling lonely with you just need to get a higher power, feels even worse. I'm fighting hard right now and I know if I had some connection and support it would be so much easier.

[@brucecaldwell6701]

I can empathize with you. It's especially hard to connect in this superficial social media world we have today. I don't see it improving ever.

[@retinapeg1846]

@@brucecaldwell6701 I miss 2010. I wanna go back and live there forever.

[@lbburgett]

Thank you. The more people hear this message, the better our world becomes.

[@katiemurray9816]

This is the best ted talk I have seen. Resonates with me personally as I’m sure many others.

[@emilyroots23]

This is amazing information. You hit some very good points about the loneliness we feel and how disconnected we become socially with our friends and family. I have been on suboxone for 8 years now and I just want to get off of it because I am a different person and I want my life back. I have the most wonderful son who deserves so much more than I can mentally handle and it eats at me every day. I miss my social life with my friends and family. I miss dancing the night away and being a free spirit. I am supposed to be staying positive so I am going to finish with this a thank you for your awesome video and your bravery to share your story. You are a bada**!!

[@sashabrown6043]

She made perfect sense the first time I've never heard anything that makes so much sense about opiate addiction

[@mali-c8g]

It's not the isolation itself. It's the idea of isolation which exists in the mind. The feeling's its presupposed to bring. The idea of what isolation is supposed to be in a society. Isolation is a negative noun. Can also be considered a negative verb. But I would suggest that one could see isolation as a positive. Turn your mind. As someone who has suffered for a long time with addiction. It's never the isolation. It's the idea I have in my mind about how I am supposed to feel about it. As soon as I realize that I am creating the suffering by attaching presuppositions to the idea of me being alone, it immediately makes me realize that I am just perfectly fine alone. And I am never really alone for very long. I just take for granted the times when I am not alone. So it seems like I always am alone.

[@mali-c8g]

Nail on head.

[@lisacolbert5987]

I wish I could meet this woman, thank her , shake her hand and then wouldn't be able to not give her a hug (after first asking her if she'd mind) ... How we treat our opiate addicted fellow man ... In this we are in the Stone Age . Brings to mind how it was acceptable for nurses in the 80's-90's to treat HIV/AIDS patients similarly ... With disdain and smug superiority .

[@sa65cn1]

say what you want about opioids but I for one would not have been able to function without the pain relief I've had for the past 15 years. Recently had to quit because my Dr. retired. I weaned down from three or four a day to one for about a month. The withdrawal was not severe for me but the pain in my thoracic and cervical spine is off the charts! I am back in bed many days a week, I am willing to live with addiction in order to be normal.

[@a_humphrey1747]

For real dude im addicted to mine in a wheelchair recovering from a broken neck from bull riding I use em to get up and around and live my life and have way more hope in therapy and am more calm and less worry about my future so I can focus on things right now with no pain aggravating me, i have almost full feeling to my toes but cant move much im doin therapies and im making progress but its slow

[@mollydoe]

"Well now I'm out of prison, and I got me a friend at last He dont steal or cheat or drink or lie Well, his name's codeine He's the nicest thing I've seen And together, we're gonna wait around to die" - Townes van Zandt

[@daronolenus3911]

Covid-19 accelerated this pandemic of loneliness.

[@stfuMandie]

You've got that right.

[@lucaschad]

Great talk Dr. Wurzman. Thank you for informing the public about your research and findings. From social rewards and even to exploring social + psycho-spiritual intervention the solution you argue successfully is a more immersive and modern AA/NA in some sense. This is a compliment.

[@ozparl6732]

Rachel Wurzman yours awesome, its people like you that make this world turn. Thank you

[@angiedixon8017]

I am acutely aware of my loneliness. I would not know where to begin with social interaction. I tried church for a while. I just felt alone in a crowd. I live in a small town in the country. For many years Ive suffered from neck, back, leg and feet pain. I have a variety of diagnoses and am in pain management. Everyone talks about addiction...why doesn’t anyone acknowledge that the pills help with actual physical pain? In my experience, physical pain is extremely isolating. I find the science from this talk fascinating and it rings true. Thank you for the insight... now... who to see, where to go, and what to do?

[@4estdweller4ever]

I have lots of physical pain too. I am food addicted. Some of my pain is from weight, but I noticed when I buckled down and stopped all sugar, flour, sugary fruits and processed foods my pain went away. All that causes inflammation in your body. I watched a ton of videos on KZbin by Dr Eric Berg and the information got drilled into my head and gave me the motivation to do it. I lasted about 3 months and I really saw the difference. Depression knocked me out of my tracks. Also you might consider kratom. You can learn about it on Netflix in a movie called Leaf of Faith. I tried it. It works too. Best regards

[@sweetpslaseman4564]

Thank you so much for ypur insightful and eloquent presentation on a much misunderstood concept. There is causation invoved in addiction and social isolation. It has been misconstrued forever that compulsion is a chosen comdition and not the product of a bodies inate tendency to balance or correct the inadequacy. Please continue making strides in this field. You are necessary and needed.😊

[@jwp6049]

Brilliant talk. This explains my addiction to nicotine and wine since my separation. I hide away from the world. But I’ve just stopped and I’m feeling better every day. It’s a vicious circle. You don’t want to socialise because you smoke and want wine. So you stay in isolation and stay lonely.

[@beccanertia619]

EXCELLENT!! This take NA's "Get involved" suggestion to a scientific level. Knowledge is power. We should educate ourselves and know what we are up against.

[@integratedfinishesllc481]

God bless you, I am 31 days off and now I know how to stay clean! I bet you will change the world!

[@kendraharris1194]

congratulations Seriously

[@Frecks2024]

How’s it going? Hope all is good.

[@1known2]

Wow this lady is soooooo smart and her “ one liners “ are so good and so on point.

[@XxXShevampXxX]

I never really thought about it but after my fiance died suddenly in a car accident, I felt extremely lonely and isolated in the aftermath and that's when I started using and abusing pain medication. And the more I used, the more I isolated myself. It was a very vicious cycle and after living in it for years, I thought the only way I would escape it was through death. I'm extremely lucky that I somehow never accidently overdosed but I did try to take my own life twice and I remember both times waking up and feeling relieved to be alive but also terribly disappointed to be alive. It was a truly horrible point in my life.

[@brodielynn5273]

I’m so sorry for your loss…and the experience that followed 💔. I hope your heart found healing… ❤️‍🩹

[@veritydrew498]

Wow thank you, this talk really helped me to see a pattern that I have been living for the last 3 weeks. & I now feel like I can get out of it.

[@paulmerritt8593]

All walks of life are affected. Even very outgoing and happy people get caught up in opioid addiction. Many started with a doctors prescription from an accident or surgery. There are definitely people who end up using to self medicate mental illness as well.

[@michellem7628]

Absolutely Awesome! Thanks for sharing. This confirms my undergraduate research in social connections, stigma, and recovery from addictions. :)

[@as-ef7sr]

I can't put into words how spot on Dr. Wurzman is with this

[@LoveRemains]

I can vouch first hand for this. Ever since I started taking suboxone (opiate/naloxone) I’ve become a complete recluse. It’s been one of the biggest things that bother me about taking this medication. I’m so glad I know now that it’s not me, it’s this medication. Furthermore, ever since being in quarantine from corona virus I’ve had the urge to relapse and use opiates. Before it was manageable, but lately the urge has been getting stronger. Knowing the info from this video I hope it will help to quell the desire.

[@smamsp]

You got this I believe in you

[@kelliborg4090]

So glad you took the time to listen to what she had to say. I am the mother of an addict. Please reach out for a friend. Bless you

[@Lyssdc12]

Hope you’re doing okay now! 🙏🏻

[@LoveRemains]

I am doing better now as I’m back on the road to sobriety (or the next best thing to it -on methadone.) I had relapsed for around a year and couldn’t get back onto the suboxone. The experience has taught me many things I needed to know though, so it wasn’t a total waste of time. I’m more confident in my sobriety and in life overall now. Plus I’m already a lot further in my life’s goals than I was before, as progress was much slower before due to not realizing the things that I needed to but that I now know. So all in all, I’m doing great. Thank you for the kind words, I hope you are all doing well too. 🙂

[@Lyssdc12]

@@LoveRemains I’m happy to hear that. I’m in recovery as well so I know what you’re going through. All we can do is take it one day at a time! Stay blessed!

[@Atlantan]

What a superb lady!! I'm indebted to her and the world should be indebted to her...she is headed in the right direction and advancements need to follow.

[@melissacalhoun2631]

Thank you for your research... I blinked right away....People like you are the lights people like me need.

[@th-rd2xh]

That is why you need to connect to The Life Giver and Creator. Yes we need to Connect to someone Higher than just getting high.

[@wicky9]

True discription now i know why i relapse every time I try but i dont know how to express feeling never did its been 30 years now still can't express my self truly why is euthanasia banned while it can save a lot of ppl from getting hurt constantly. Cause i know there is no help coming and no one will understand but this lady just fitted all the puzzles of my life rt. And now i have some answers maybe but not all yet. Tnx an eye-opener truely

[@DeeJayBonk]

Spot on! Bravo and thank you for all you have done.

[@fmlincorporatedfmlllcee2958]

You have me super interested in social neuro science now!

[@FeelingPeculiar]

This was a bit surprising. I've been dependent on opiates for over a decade and I'm very isolated. I never put two and two together. It all makes sense though. Buprenorphine is my best friend.

[@jacobhines5583]

Subs don't really get u high

[@ilarious5729]

Oh I feel ya!

[@astrataway7077]

@@jacobhines5583 They don't until they do.

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

Jacob Hines okay, so stop taking them...you may not think you are getting high, but odds are you just havent been off opiates enough to have felt the effects when you went on. Stop taking them and see if they arent making you “high” you just dont equate that with the feeling you are getting. They are getting you high, just not in the highly pleasurable way you equate, but if they werent doing anything, you would be able to walk away from them

[@davachi]

subs aren’t sober

[@iAmMattN]

The opposite of connection is suffering. We are a social species.. whether we think we're connected or not, we survive as a hive species. But the interpersonal needs of belonging and connection are more than just society, government, stories that make us similar (nation, religion, atheism, etc). Stories that bind us make us thrive in ways other species don't. We need to connect in smaller ways. We need friends, family, or community on a micro level. Without that, we suffer in a way that is stimulation starvation.

[@bencampbell4366]

Thanks for putting the time in to research this ............ I think the route cause of alot off addictions is either obvious isolation or hidden isolation mentally or both , its sad to me to think somethings sadly cannot be fixed in a persons mental make up through genetics or external factors ( first noticed in childhood or the teenage years ) , addiction can leave people feels its the only remedy,... then to bandage or plaster your thoughts and feelings knowing there just in your make up ( to get abit of time off from ones own mind so to speak) , and that can be the loneliest feeling in the world with your substance of choice

[@tjgallo]

absolutely incredible and so, so, very unselfish, from where your own personal journey and tribulations were centered. It really says so much about your character Rachel Wurzman. Please reach out if you get this message, as I would love to be a part of the initiative and I have many ideas on how to implement strategies for the greater good od mankind. Thank you.

[@khalilrazak6486]

I suffer from debilitating anxiety due to extreme social phobia and therefore prefer being alone yet love opiates.

[@fucc]

Me too.

[@opheliajade1986]

I can relate.

[@4estdweller4ever]

Dealing with people can just feel like way too much hard work. Disconnecting can feel so much easier. But in the long run everything she says here is true. Isolation can shrink our brain and be deadly.

[@MayaBDoyle]

Great talk! I noticed that I became more isolated when doing Opoids. I definitely took it more due to loneliness but it started innocently after 3 major spinal surgeries. Finally off of it and slowly wanting to go out again. I wish the world were a much safer, happier and more loving place. It'd make things a lot easier.

[@glenns2077]

I believe the stigma of taking something so widely abused, (News hype), caused many unnecessary shame and embarrassment so not enjoying time with others became an easier choice when faced with deciding which feelings to deal with.....our very own....or those of the invading public opinion.

[@richardking2422]

@Frank Heuvelman why the recommendation to western europe?

[@richardking2422]

@Frank Heuvelman I saw your comment that you deleted which im not sure why you did that, it was a respectable comment. When you mentioned that the Germans are better conserving (I think is the wors you used) do you mean that you're better at saving money and yourself for important things instead of falling victim to Americas culture of consumerism and disposability? Also something I do not understand because I am not present there, but strikes me in many different emotions is Europes refugee crisis? Is this true. American journalist Dan Harris made me angry in a video he covered... dubbing the Germans "nazis" and their actions as despicable because of them defending their country. This is where I will admit im not educated. But, to me in the video it showed pride and love for ones culture and people, way of life. Wanting to preserve this against foreigners who have no intent on adapting to the way of life you have in Germany as well as each European countries individual ways. There is much much more I have to comment on such a topic but maybe you can help me understand as you replied and deleted your comment quite quickly??

[@truly2special]

I knew this already but it’s nice to see it explained scientifically. I’m very much so a loner, 100%. Food is my best friend and lover. My boyfriend was dismissive avoidant and cause me to gain 40 pounds in less than a year. All my life I’ve dealt with social isolation and rejection. All my life I’ve used food as the cure. Hence obesity.

[@Poofyfish83]

Me too😢

[@StefaniaCastelli]

I can say without any doubt, that yours is the best analysis of addictions. Human relationships, in my 50 years of fight to fulfill social "normalcy", chem support was the auto medication tool working for me. I'm 56, finally diagnosed as an ADHD patient. The pattern, anyway, didn't change: no Methylphenidate, no "authentical" social interactions with even my family close circle. Have to play as if under medications (a horrible job, the rare times it happens). But what is the "Natural Family"? Why people sharing the same interests you love (I live for these interests and passions) couldn't be more effective than your parents, your bros, and sisters or your nephews? I totally subscribe to your point of view! This is my fifth day of Oxy withdrawal, the therapy I choose to front the Covid19 lockdown and being socially sweet and emphatic with the other lockdown members. Now the lockdown is over in Italy, I've been successful. I scored points over points, among the family, as I managed the emergency and everyone's needs. Now I pay the price. Back alone. And still suffering

[@stevewayne6832]

This by far help me understand my problems and questions! Naloxone in my medication is diminishing my social behavior.

[@Murf1802]

Amazing, Thank you, I'm sick for a long time now. since 1994, everything you stated makes complete sense to me, and you've Givin me Hope to get better! Thank you again❤️

[@mayamaeru]

This talk is underrated. Thanks Dr. Rachel Wurzman

[@ryanbrennan8143]

Wow amazing video. This is something I will never forget.

[@liverpoolshines3745]

Thanks to Rachel for sharing the knowledge

[@Orthodoxi]

Very beautifully done and informative video. I totally connect. 🙏😊

[@felphero]

So, after college I started working from home, rarely saw friends and family, that went on for years, I thought I was absolutely fine being this alone until, yeah suddenly I started abusing some medication and when I realized I couldn't stop no matter what, I had myself commited to get rid of it. Funny enough while at the hospital meeting patients making friends seeing people everyday I felt great, it really was the kinda of thing I didn't realize I was in crazy desperate need of until I had it back, like I've been living with a knife stuck to my shoulder and had grown so accostumed to it I couldn't even realize it hurted so bad until someone pulled it out of me. Our brains are so weird

[@malekaiwebos3045]

All the positive social interaction in the world won’t take the place of my beautiful drugs, but this is ESSENTIAL advice for prevention.

[@mmanda515]

Great points, makes SO much sense.... thank you for sharing!!! Also, wonder the internal pull to addiction/addictive personality/behavior? I know of some friends, family... who are very addictive 'types' if that makes sense. While others, easily drink & stop.... no matter the drug/strength, take the min. required OR never go over dosage, stopping it.... once it's no longer needed. No matter how loopy it made them, how full of energy, depending... how relaxed w/ other things... could have them ALL at their disposal & still, just... don't. Idk, has to be something there too, imho. So agree w/ the whole 'connection' we all need w/ others. That emotional support, feeling of being heard, of being understood... validated.. just, that soft place to fall. True social connection to others, if isolated... makes one more hopeless, weaker, sicker... not better. When you have a good support system in place, healing IS quicker... you can live, you can actually thrive.... not, merely survive. Thanks for ALL you continue doing. Hope you are staying safe & well. Appreciate your time & sharing all this great info.... w/ all of us.... for "connecting" & in ways many didn't even realize they needed! :)

[@Mari-m9i6q]

I feel like social distancing cemented our society and gives people the excuse to behave with even more indifference, rudeness, and be OK without any sense of belonging. Treating someone without dignity, respect, or understanding is a crime against humanity. You can't go to jail for it yet so many people experience that on a day to day basis. How we treat each other should be how we treat ourselves. If we have forgotten how to love and show compassion for ourselves then would others please step up to the plate and let Tha person know there is hope. They can love and be loved. To be and feel accepted for who you are and what you believe in; is possible. I fear we have moved further away from that so our society continues to suffer. Drugs, homicide; mental illness will continue to rise. What is your attitude on that note? Who did you lift up today or did you put someone down. Thanks for reading.

[@tracycabrera1950]

I have missed many years with my grandchildren due to isolating myself. And social disconnect even when I am with them. Miss having a normal relationship again. Need my brain to start its healing process

[@dianepang808]

Fascinating talk. I abuse/ binge drink alcohol to “feel better”. Not every day…..but it’s my go to, quick, easy, way to “feel better” It’s addiction. I think I’m trying to soothe the loneliness. Thoughts? Also use food sometimes and would probably use pills, just haven’t tried that yet. Whatever works.

[@67marlins]

This was an excellent, thorough post - but somewhat over-my-head, a little difficult and probably needs 2 or 3 viewings to fully learn from. Thank you however for posting, I appreciate it.

[@HealthyAndrew]

I have Tourette’s and used opiates as well. Crazy ! I love this

[@mongogojjo5944]

Same. I also isolated heavily during my opioid addiction, didn't wanna hang out with my own brother or closest friends, had no interest even when a very attractive woman invited me out.

[@heathermariearmbrust]

My loneliness has EVERYTHING to do w my addictions! I’m so lonely and those addictions fill that space.

[@rkrithiv]

Isolation is the cause, and Love is the cure. How beautiful!

[@navysteve95]

Life in the USA seems to be the reason why we use nearly 90% of the worlds opiates. We are also experiencing a 35 year high in alcohol related deaths, and chrystal Meth usage is up for people using opiate blockers for drug treatment. I know quite a few people on opiate blockers who switched to chrystal. But yet they are trying to get clean but the hunger wins I don't expect different results when I do the same thing over and over. I know what drugs and alcohol do to me, yet I couldn't stop Until I could Thanks to people who took the time to help me get on my own 2 feet 10-15-89. Having time in a 12 step fellowship can be lonely. Compassion fatigue also comes into play

[@SCYN0]

@@navysteve95 70% isn't nearly 90% dude

[@superman9693]

I even used drugs when I was in the happiest relationship with my dream girl.

[@dsteinerwilson]

What a brave and brilliant talk!! We need more of your insights, research and hope! Thank you

[@tracycabrera1950]

My ability to connect with people/family is terrible. No matter how hard I try

[@kathrinawebb4927]

Thank you Your Beautiful and amazing speaking truths that many refuse to

[@katrolinka89]

This is what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@nathandcruze8507]

Thanks Dr. Wurzman, that information was great.

[@jeanpicard1844]

I have to say that I’ve always been a very extroverted introvert. I love being alone, being home, not being around a ton of people. But about once a week I need to go to a mall, club, a party, bowling, SOMETHING to be around a bunch of people specifically my age. But I am perfectly fine being alone. I love it. I get the most stuff done when I’m alone too. And I have to say, there was nothing about my past opioid addiction that was driven by me not being connected to people, or being too lonely.

[@joanncoopertroupe3506]

I am age 64 i do better a love being alone.. i do take pain meds i do not Over take it. I do listen to these talks as i have considered quitting my pain meds. God Bless anyone whos getting off opiates!! its scary i bern on them since my middle 30's. Today i am age 64. i have my medicine managed. I do not keep it .. that way i do. Not over take it. I HAD IN MY PAST TAKEN TO MUCH .. today i only take what i am to have. I would like to get off the 12 Hour Drug. Stay. on my shorter acting drug. I live with Fibro , Arthritis. Nerve pain in Feet legs hands Arms... i have had weightloss surgery lost a 166 pounds.. its helped me. A. lots.. i have been in tons of Therapy most all my life.. i am very blessed with a supportive Family.. friends!!Thank you for your amazing TED Talk..

[@dondressel4802]

What do you do if your in constant pain because of chronic pain issues and on top of it getting older??? If opiates work and you don’t abuse these pills can it work for you without isolating yourself from family friends and the outside world?

[@sa65cn1]

Yes the pills can work for you if used responsibly. I am able to socialize with others while using the opiates because my pain is relieved.

[@annlanders978]

Absolutely. I totally agree. @@sa65cn1

[@user-rh9bp2dz5k]

If you don't isolate and aren't an addict. Addicts gave a different way of thinking than normal people that includes 100 forms of fear delusion resentments etc. If you have that propensity the 12 step program specifically AA...as the book was divinely written to help us...has the answers to our problem . Most say they want to get sover but there's work to do to stay sober. Changing of patterns to change our lives

[@benmuffie665]

Yes but you will become dependant on them thats just how they work honestly.

[@ThisGoose]

Addiction is when you've cut the brakes with the OFC. Socially its from lack of genuine human connections, medically it could be therapy gone awry, genetically its an overexpressiom of Fos B in the nucleus accumbens.

[@danielreiman4446]

bs your textbooks are meaningless

[@tjgallo]

@@danielreiman4446 Why would you be so rude to someone who is clearly trying to add some helpful and valuable information? Even if you don't agree, be a respectful human being Daniel.

[@yellowlemonmothfreak]

Great talk, I just wanted to add that an addiction should be regarded as a learning disorder as opposed to a disease.

[@zatomlzxzanamolzy1253]

I disagree with that, I know as much as I can about addiction and my reason for relapse wasn’t a lack of learning ability or an ignorance towards what addiction is. It’s definitely a mental health issue and can’t be taught away.

[@As5Hat]

This cleared up so many questions I had about my opiate addiction. Particulary the effect of the naloxone in the Suboxone I take. It has totally ruined that cuddling feeling with my wife and I want it back. If you dont know what I'm talking about she covered it here 8:30 to 9:15. The Naloxone definitely interferes with my ability to feel connected with people.

[@allisond.46]

You could try going off it or getting a different med?

[@As5Hat]

@@allisond.46 its easy to say just go off it, but the reality is worse than ripping your skin off for two weeks straight

[@As5Hat]

@@allisond.46 only alternative is methodone, which is a far worse option and more detrimental to recovery, not to mention the physical impacts

[@Spoony412]

Please publish this info. I think you got it right on the nail.

[@morganzimmerglass9925]

But it’s so hard to combat lonlieneas. Especially during the pandemic. When I was younger In highschool and college I had sports, parties, tons of college/high school classes, tons of time with family and cousins. And now once you get older it’s really just work, and now even that’s from home, that provides any connection. And really colleagues you don’t even know or like much and obviously can’t be honest with is a terrible place to get your main source of connection from. Suboxone def helps give you the little bit of motivation and connectedness you need to get rid of major cravings and withdrawal but then getting off subs is super hard if you don’t have lots of social and physical connection on your life.

[@tomford7463]

Such a great speaker!! Thank u!

[@emostorm7]

Compulsive spectrum disorders, thank you for that term

[@npasqua]

I really enjoyed the arc of this talk!

[@michellem7628]

me too!

[@ryanbrennan8143]

SAME

[@salm2135]

This is a beautiful ted talk

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

I work alone. I’m isolated all day, every day. I struggled with opiates for a while , because when I took them, I felt at ease, and forgot about my loneliness. I think most people struggle with substance abuse of one type or another at least once or at one point in their lives

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

Gd this is spot on...ask me how I know....

[@zachtaylor1288]

Brother, i hear you

[@duariweiss7188]

You know it is spot on when you are tearing up to a TEDtalk.

[@justinkassel4000]

I’ve been clean for three months now, and got a Vivitrol shot yesterday. There is hope brother

[@jotty2451]

justin Kassel no side effects from blockading out your endorphins?

[@kiolube]

lEt Me GuEsS yOu Do OpIaTeS? Durrrrrr, your so cringe.

[@justinspykerman]

I love biology so much in all its amazing areas of study, I so so wish that there was a better and humane way to do experiments in order to better understand this subject. It truly breaks my heart.

[@RobertWilliams-oy1fl]

Beautiful speech. It taught me a great deal. ❤️

[@jordanluxford4342]

I instantly, instantly blinked.

[@nickfrazzetto6371]

It's all in your brain! Mind over matter is the best way to get off drugs or any addiction trust me.

[@annalisette5897]

Respectfully, and I DO respect what neuroscientist Rachel Wurzman has accomplished in her research, there is a disconnect here for me. Going back centuries, we have examples of good relationships and families being torn apart by substance abuse, usually alcohol in older times. Even with the current "opioid crisis", we find examples of young people with plenty of social connections, social achievements and good family lives who 'experiment' with drugs and get hooked. IMO there is something else going on and it is not as simplistic as saying "connection" overcomes addiction which is for instance what author Johann Hari claims in his book "Chasing the Scream." IMO, physiological causes and CURES MUST be found. There has been enough talk therapy and 12 step groups that leave sufferers in a quiet desperation of craving for a lifetime. Consider one other thing, cigarette smoking. When I was young it seemed all adults except my parents and Mormons, smoked. Smoking was THE social activity among adults, a friendly, sharing, get-to-know-you activity. People hooked on nicotine, on smoking cigarettes are just as hooked, or perhaps more so, than someone who began an opioid addiction supposedly from loneliness. One reason it is difficult for people around my age or older to quit smoking is it has always been a feel-good social activity which by far overcomes the distant threat of illness! I have read a number of books and papers about loneliness and addiction and with all due respect to the researchers I feel a severe disconnect in the message. What is being missed in the equation? What needs to be studied further?

[@NestyPeach]

Thank you!

[@shiftya4]

I'm 3 years into recovery and can say personally my recovery has only been possible do to psycho spiritual intervention. Awesome talk!

[@baremax]

I am 6 months. So far recovery sucks.

[@ellanachughtai8227]

But wha t if people are in both places about social isolation , for example preferring an quiet life solitary life makes me feel good, I had years and years of being bullied messed around. So I took the decision to leave the all and prefer quiet life, I have my KZbin, Netflix and the issues with opiates became the wound for years of being messed around, I know the effects of social isolation, but I couldn’t bare going to these social interactions

[@owenb9725]

You're describing me to a T.... Glad to kmow im not the only one...it sure feels i am some days.

[@luissantiago9905]

Amazing information.

[@robotaholic]

What a beautiful person ❤

[@homelessclown7880]

I too was angry after being brought back because I didn't want to be alive anymore. Both times in 12 hours. But especially the second time.

[@edratliff]

So for users of Suboxone (a medication for opiate addiction) that contains Naloxone - does the medication decrease the ability to bond with others?

[@Suziebreathingbones]

Think twice and deep... If a warm feeling for opioids is going to cost you all the money you have, every cent, loss of purposeful life, the deep hurting of loved ones, the actual isolation turning into loneliness. It's not worth it.

[@deeter983]

three months clean

[@kendraharris1194]

congrats. How are you doing now?

[@Frecks2024]

Hope all is good!

[@Spoony412]

Never thought opiate addicts would change the world. Thought we would just get kicked instead of kissed. Love