Increased Avoidance Learning in Chronic Opioid Users

Preclinical evidence has shown that repeated experiences of aversive withdrawal promote avoidance behavior and compulsive opioid use, but it is unknown whether this applies to humans.In this case-control study, individuals with chronic opioid use, regardless of whether they were addicted or using opioids chronically, showed increased learning from negative reinforcement, even in individuals with a history of prior detoxifications or varying levels of opioid use chronicity.The findings confirm that negative reinforcement is a core mechanism in opioid addiction, which is well established in preclinical research but less represented in treatment. Importantly, it is not limited to the later stages of addiction but is even observed after regular opioid use, potentially contributing to the development of addiction, which may have important implications for the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Corresponding Author: Karen D. Ersche, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building for Brain ke220@cam.ac.uk).

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