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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. Researchers have now zeroed in on brain circuits responsible for these two forces of fentanyl addiction.

The study in mice, reported May 22 in Nature, suggests two distinct brain pathways are in play.