Brain cells (magenta) in the reward center of a rat’s brain release dopamine in response to opioids. According to a new study by WashU Medicine researchers, male and female rats with a chronic pain ...

For many Americans, a routine surgical procedure serves as their first introduction to opioid pain medication. While most stop using these drugs as they heal, a considerable number of "opioid-naïve" ...

Certain social determinants and psychological factors may elevate a person’s risk for new persistent opioid use after surgery, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.Enrollment in Medicaid ...

Preoperative screening for substance use and mental health disorders could reduce the risk of new persistent opioid use in ...