Love hormone tested as opioid alternative in pain study

This early-stage study is testing whether oxytocin (a hormone sometimes called the 'love hormone') given as a nasal spray can help reduce pain and potentially lower the amount of opioid medication needed. Researchers will study 45 healthy adults who use opioids recreationally but don't have chronic pain. Participants will receive different combinations of oxytocin, oxycodone (an opioid), or placebos during lab sessions to measure effects on pain, brain activity, and drug liking.