A growing number of opioid addictions in Canada has many health-care providers, lawmakers and regulators looking for solutions to this serious public health issue.
U of G psychology professor Francesco Leri researches opioid addiction and is investigating why some people are more at risk of developing an addiction than others.
Leri’s recent research revealed that a diet high in refined sugars could make children and adults more susceptible to opioid addiction and overdose. He found that chronic exposure to high-fructose corn syrup affects both neural and behavioural responses to oxycodone, resulting in changes that could impact drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviour. Leri also studies other aspects of opioid use, including patterns of use, addiction, relapse and withdrawal.
He is available for media interviews.
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