The Gut-Brain Axis in Opioid Use Disorder: Exploring the Bidirectional Influence of Opioids and the Gut Microbiome—A Comprehensive Review
Artūras Barkus, Vaida Baltrūnienė, Justė Baušienė, Tomas Baltrūnas, Lina Barkienė, Paulina Kazlauskaitė, Augustinas Baušys
Abstract
Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive opioid use despite negative consequences, resulting in severe health risks such as overdose and contraction of infectious diseases. High dropout rates in opioid agonist therapy highlight the need for more effective relapse prevention strategies. Animal and clinical studies indicate that opioids influence gut microbiota, which in turn plays a critical role in addiction development and alters behavioral responses to opioids. This study provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the effects of opioids on the gut microbiome and explores the potential of microbiome manipulation as a therapeutic target in opioid addiction.