Recognizing The Threat Of Nitazenes, the Newest Class Of Incredibly Powerful Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a category of potent synthetic opioids, have appeared as a significant concern due to their high potency and connection to overdoses. While detailed worldwide statistics are limited, disturbing reports are highlighting the devastating and deadly impact. Learn more about what they are, the dangers, effects, and treatment possibilities.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids that act on receptors in the brain. They were originally created over 50 years ago as an alternative to morphine but were not approved because of their elevated potential for overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly more powerful than traditional opioids like morphine or other dangerous synthetics like fentanyl. They are linked to countless overdose deaths across the world as they have started to appear in illegal drug markets.
How Can You Recognize Nitazenes?
Nitazenes come in multiple forms. You can discover them as the following:
- Powdered white substance, crystalline solid, or yellow/brown powder.
- Counterfeit pills (e.g., imitation oxycodone) are often combined with ketamine, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the more recent xylazine overdoses implicate nitazenes. Complicating things is the fact that xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer often used as a preparation for surgery, wouldn’t necessarily be found on medical toxicology screens performed in ERs.
be detected on hospital toxicology screens completed in ERs.
Global Public Health Ramifications Of Nitazenes
Due to its recent emergence and the lack of formal research about the use and effects of nitazenes, much of the information about these powerful new opioids comes from anecdotal user reports. But it’s becoming more evident that nitazenes are exacerbating the overdose epidemic, leading to rising overdose rates through fake pills and illicit drugs. The levels of potency can vary widely and the risk of contamination is increased due to the uncontrolled production.
Important Facts About Nitazenes
Intensifying the opioid crisis, nitazenes are extraordinarily potent and have a high threat of overdose. Here are some more facts about these dangerous drugs:
- Potency: Nitazenes are often much stronger than fentanyl. Certain derivatives, such as isotonitazene, may be up to 100 times more powerful than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes are becoming more present in the illicit drug market, commonly as substitutes or additives to opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users could unknowingly take nitazenes, increasing overdose risks.
- Effects: In a similar fashion as other opioids, individuals could experience sedation, pain relief, and euphoria. Serious respiratory depression can occur, which is often lethal in excessive amounts or when mixed with depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
- Detection Issues: Standard toxicology screenings may not detect nitazenes, necessitating specialized testing to identify nitazene-influenced overdoses.
- Risk of Overdose: Even small amounts can produce lethal overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) might neutralize the effects, but additional or larger doses are commonly necessary.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is among the most frequently discovered. Other prevalent derivatives include protonitazene, metonitazene, and etonitazene, which produce dangerous effects in small amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment strategies for nitazene addiction mirror those for other opioids. Here are the types of care you can access at accredited facilities:
- Medically supervised detox: Ensures safety throughout the withdrawal process.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Utilizes approved drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to control withdrawal symptoms and urges.
- Counseling: Behavioral therapy to address root causes and develop positive coping devices.
- Aftercare planning: Long-term recovery plans promote lasting sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center provides the highest level of care for those dealing with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically directed detox: 24/7 medical supervision to ensure comfort and safety over the course of detox
- Responsive transport: Transportation arranged within minutes of your call
- Personalized detox plans: Tailored care for all patients that makes sense for the challenges of nitazene use
- Full-service care planning: Guidance covering the recovery process, ensuring a seamless transition from detox to aftercare
Get Support For Nitazene Addiction Today
Every person deserves skilled detox care in Philadelphia. Reach out to Beacon Point Recovery Center at 267-715-9624 to get the guidance you need. With the increase of strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our staff is committed to providing timely and compassionate support 24/7, 365 days a year.
Author
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Stephen Cooke brings over a decade of experience in international and American healthcare communications to Praesum. A prolific writer and published author, Stephen has dedicated his career to promoting health and recovery across various organizations.
