According to the World Drug Report opioids are the most harmful drug type, accounting for 70% of the adverse health impacts associated with drug use disorders worldwide. Treatment typically focusses on controlling withdrawal, preventing cravings and ultimately relapse. Maintenance treatments are used for chronic opioid-dependent patients who cannot achieve abstinence.

 A recent randomised, double-blind trial has examined the effectiveness of oxytocin, a neuropeptide that is produced by the hypothalamus, as part of the treatment of addiction. The researchers analysed the effect of oxytocin...