https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-025-01591-2
Review
Functional connectivity in resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) in opioid use disorder
1
Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU-PLOVDIV–(SRIPD-MUP), European Union-NextGeneration EU, BG-RRP-2.004-0007-C01, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
2
Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, 15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd., 4002, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
3
Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Medical University Plovdiv, 15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd., 4002, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
4
Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, 21 Montevideo Str., 1618, Sofia, Bulgaria
5
Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 203 E. Cary Street, 23219, Richmond, VA, USA
6
Department of Psychiatry, 501 N. 2nd Street, 23219, Richmond, VA, USA
a
kristina.stoyanova@mu-plovdiv.bg
Received:
1
February
2025
Accepted:
14
March
2025
Published online:
25
March
2025
This mini-review examines functional connectivity in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) among opioid users. The goal is to summarize existing research data and clarify the implications of altered brain connectivity in this population. The first part of the review addresses the critical question of how opioid addiction influences the functional connectivity of key brain networks, such as the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and executive control network (ECN). It examines the neurological basis of opioid addiction, the principles of rs-fMRI, different methodologies employed in this type of research, and inconsistencies and methodological challenges that complicate the interpretation of findings. The second part of the article presents findings derived from our ongoing research in the field. We tested 42 participants of whom 23 healthy controls and 19 patients with opioid use disorder. Each participant underwent an MRI scanning procedure comprised of structural, resting-state and task sequences. The neuroimaging data was processed using the CONN Toolbox running on MATLAB. Our preliminary rs-fMRI findings reveal significant disruptions in functional connectivity in individuals with opioid addiction within DMN and SN networks involved in cognitive functions such as decision-making and impulse control. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of standardizing research practices, conducting longitudinal randomized studies, and developing a more holistic approach to understanding the effects of heroin addiction. These efforts would contribute to the development of personalized and effective intervention strategies.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-025-01591-2.
© The Author(s) 2025
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