Opioids News and Research

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An opioid is a chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The receptors in these two organ systems mediate both the beneficial effects and the side effects of opioids.

Targeting small group of brain cells may reduce opioid addiction risk

Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine are investigating how to keep opioids' pain-relieving benefits while reducing their addictive potential. In a study published in Nature, they report a step toward that goal.

7 Aug 2026

Neuroscience-informed therapy provides massive cost-savings for opioid addiction treatment

A new economic evaluation from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has revealed that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) - an innovative, evidence-based, neuroscience-informed therapy for opioid misuse and chronic pain - provides $12 in cost savings for every dollar spent, between two and six times more cost effective than other addiction treatments such as residential or intensive outpatient treatment.

5 Aug 2026

Review outlines effective approaches to reduce recurrent hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurologic complication of advanced liver disease, causing impaired functioning, reduced quality of life (QOL), and increased hospitalisation and mortality.

31 Jul 2026

THC and CBD combination rapidly reduces advanced dementia agitation

A combination of CBD and THC rapidly and significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia, suggest topline results from the Phase 2 LiBBY (Life's End Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol) clinical trial.

28 Jul 2026

Individualized treatment speeds recovery for babies with opioid withdrawal

A major new study shows that individualized treatment for babies born with opioid withdrawal can speed recovery and reduce time spent in the hospital.

24 Jul 2026

AI platform uncovers promising target for chronic pain treatmen

Despite the widespread availability of analgesics, pain management remains one of the most significant and pervasive challenges in modern medicine, with more than 20% of the global population suffering from chronic pain, especially chronic neuropathic pain characterized by central sensitization.

22 Jul 2026

Experimental neurointerventional technique shows promise for severe back pain

Researchers at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 23rd Annual Meeting presented an experimental neurointerventional technique designed to treat severe back pain, a leading cause of disability and opioid use, by delivering medication directly through the arteries supplying the painful area.

22 Jul 2026

New peptide from cone snail venom shows promise for non-opioid pain relief

An international research team led by the Medical University of Vienna has investigated a new peptide derived from cone snail venom which significantly reduced inflammation-induced pain in an animal model.

21 Jul 2026

Study highlights communication gaps between cancer survivors and providers on cannabis

For many cancer survivors, cannabis has become part of how they manage symptoms such as pain, nausea and anxiety.

16 Jul 2026

Study shows postoperative nerve blocks do not cause hyper-sensitization

Nerve blocks – local anesthetic injections that block pain signals – are a valuable opioid-sparing technique for controlling pain after surgery.

14 Jul 2026

Review highlights traditional Chinese medicine for Chikungunya fever management

Chikungunya fever, caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), has re‑emerged as a major global health threat. The 2025 outbreak in Guangdong, China – the largest local epidemic ever recorded – marks a critical epidemiological turning point.

9 Jul 2026

Researchers identify opioids with highest risk of respiratory depression

University of Manchester researchers have identified which opioids are most likely to be associated with respiratory depression, in a major new study.

9 Jul 2026

Study reveals why “linked with” and “increases risk” may mean the same to many readers

A preregistered experiment of 1,957 adults found that people endorsed “is linked with” and “increases the risk of” statements about Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism at similar rates. The findings suggest that poll responses using increased-risk language should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that the public believes Tylenol directly causes autism.

5 Jul 2026