SfN18: Can animal models offer an insight into human opioid addiction, withdrawal and relapse behaviors?

Three papers presented at SfN Neuroscience 2018 (3–7 November, San Diego, CA, USA) have analyzed the behaviors of rats in relation to opioid addiction, withdrawal and relapse. This research may offer insight into how humans behave in similar situations and may allow development of new treatment options for individuals with opioid addictions. With over 2 million people in the USA addicted to opioids, a public health emergency has been declared.  “More effective preventions and treatments are desperately needed for managing the opioid overdose epidemic, which now claims the lives of more than 100 Americans every day,” commented Chris Evans (University...