6.1 Molecular Pharmacology of Opioids: Chronic Stress and Developmental Exposures

Abstract

This talk will review opioid receptor neuroscience as it pertains to adolescents and neonatal opioid exposure, as well as system effects from chronic stress. We are currently in the midst of an epidemic of opioid misuse. Efforts to address this crisis involve recognizing the neurobiological risk factors of substance use disorders, understanding alternatives to opioids for chronic pain management, and developing safer opioid medications.