Abstract

Opioid addiction represents a significant public health crisis with complex neurobiological underpinnings. Recent research highlights the crucial role of glial cells in maintaining neuronal health and modulating addiction-related processes. This article reviews current understanding of glial cell dysfunction during opioid addiction and explores strategies for restoring their protective capabilities. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which opioids disrupt glial function and potential therapeutic approaches to mitigate these effects. The review integrates insights from recent studies, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in targeting glial cells for the treatment of opioid addiction.