Evidence that opiate addiction is in part an immune response. Destruction of the immune system by irradiation-altered opiate withdrawal.

Experiments were performed to determine whether physical dependence on opiates (CNS phenomena) can be altered by destruction of the immune system. Irradiation, prior to or after chronic treatment with morphine significantly reduced the opiate-withdrawal syndrome as assessed by naloxone-induced abstinence. This study supports the proposition that addiction to opiates is related, at least in part, to interaction between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system.