News Neuroscience

Two distinct neural pathways may make opioids like fentanyl so addictive

A study in mice identified the brain circuits behind reward and withdrawal

A pill bottle with a fentanyl label sits next to several pills and a vial on a table

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are highly addictive. Researchers have now identified two neural pathways behind this addiction.

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By Claudia López Lloreda

Fentanyl’s powerful pull comes from both the potent, rapid euphoria people feel while on the drug and the devastating symptoms of withdrawal.