Understanding The Perils Of Nitazenes, the Newest Class Of Alarmingly Strong Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a group of powerful synthetic opioids, have emerged as a serious concern as a result of their high potency and association with overdose deaths. Despite the scarcity of detailed statistics, disturbing reports recognize the devastating and lethal impact. Learn more about what they are, the risks, effects, and treatment options.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids that impact the brain’s opioid receptors. They were first developed over 50 years ago as a substitute to morphine but weren’t distributed because of their heightened risk of overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly more powerful than conventional opioids like morphine or other deadly synthetics like fentanyl. They are associated with many overdose deaths worldwide as they have begun to emerge in illegal drug markets.
How Do Nitazenes Appear?
Nitazenes can be found in different forms. You may find them as the following:
- White powder, crystalline solid, or powder with brown or yellow coloring.
- Counterfeit pills (e.g., fake oxycodone) are often combined with heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the more recent xylazine overdoses involve nitazenes. A A concerning aspect is that xylazine, an animal sedative frequently used as a preparation for surgery, would not necessarily be found on clinical toxicology screens performed in hospitals.
be detected on medical toxicology screens performed in ERs.
Worldwide Health Implications Of Nitazenes
Due to its recent appearance and the lack of comprehensive research about the use and effects of nitazenes, much of the information about these powerful new opioids comes from unscientific user reports. But it’s presently becoming clear that nitazenes are intensifying the overdose epidemic, contributing to elevating overdose rates through fake pills and street drugs. The levels of potency can vary widely and the risk of contamination is greater due to the ungoverned production.
Key Facts About Nitazenes
Compounding the opioid upsurge, nitazenes are incredibly powerful and carry an elevated risk of overdose. Here are several more facts about these dangerous drugs:
- Potency: Nitazenes are often much more powerful than fentanyl. Certain derivatives, such as isotonitazene, might be 20 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes are becoming more widespread in the illicit drug market, frequently as substitutes or additives to opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users might inadvertently consume nitazenes, elevating the threat of overdose.
- Effects: In a similar fashion as other opioids, individuals might experience sedation, pain relief, and euphoria. Dangerous respiratory depression might occur, which is often fatal in large doses or when mixed with depressants like benzos or alcohol.
- Detection Problems: Routine toxicology screenings may fail to find nitazenes, necessitating different testing to determine nitazene-related overdoses.
- Risk of Overdose: Even small amounts can cause deadly overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) might neutralize the effects, but higher or multiple doses are commonly required.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is one of the most frequently found. Other prevalent derivatives include etonitazene, metonitazene, and protonitazene, which cause life-endangering effects in minimal amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment methods for nitazene addiction are similar to those for other opioids. Here is what you will find at licensed centers:
- Medically supervised detox: Focuses on safety during withdrawal.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Includes medicines like methadone or buprenorphine to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy and counseling: Behavioral therapy to address root causes and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
- Aftercare planning: Carefully designed recovery plans support lasting sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center delivers the highest level of care for individuals dealing with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically directed detox: 24/7 medical guidance to ensure a comfortable and safe environment over the course of detox
- Prompt transport: Transportation is available shortly after your call
- Individualized detox plans: Tailored care for all residents that addresses the complexities of nitazene use
- Complete care management: Guidance covering the entire process, providing a seamless transition from detox to the next phase of care
Find Help For Nitazene Addiction Today
Every person deserves skilled detox care in Duluth. Call Sunrise Detox Duluth at 470-327-8336 to obtain the help you require. With the increase of powerful synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our staff is committed to providing prompt and compassionate support 24/7, every day of the 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.
