Understanding The Threat Of Nitazenes, the Newest Class Of Incredibly Powerful Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a group of strong synthetic opioids, have appeared as a significant concern due to their intense potency and association with overdoses. Despite the dearth of comprehensive statistics, disturbing reports indicate the powerful and deadly impact. Gain insights into what they are, the dangers, effects, and treatment options.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that act on receptors in the brain. They were originally formulated about 60 years ago as a replacement for morphine but were not released as a result of their extreme threat of overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly more powerful than traditional opioids like morphine or even fentanyl. They are connected to countless overdose deaths across the world as they have begun to emerge in illegal drug markets.
How Do Nitazenes Appear?
Nitazenes can be found in different forms. You may discover them as the following:
- White powdery substance, crystallized matter, or yellow/brown powder.
- Counterfeit pills (e.g., imitation oxycodone) are commonly mixed with heroin, synthetic cannabinoids, and ketamine.
Many of the more recent xylazine overdoses involve nitazenes. A A concerning aspect is that xylazine, an animal sedative commonly used as a preparation for surgery, wouldn’t necessarily be found on medical toxicology screens conducted in emergency rooms.
be detected on hospital toxicology screens performed in ERs.
Global Health Concerns Regarding Nitazenes
Because of its recent emergence and the lack of comprehensive research concerning the impact of nitazenes, some of the information about these powerful synthetics comes from unscientific user reports. But it’s presently becoming clear that nitazenes are making the overdose epidemic worse, adding to rising overdose rates through fake pills and street drugs. Due to unauthorized production, there is a higher danger of varying, dangerous levels of potency and contamination.
Key Facts About Nitazenes
Intensifying the opioid crisis, nitazenes are alarmingly powerful and have a high risk of overdose. Here are a few additional facts about these dangerous opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are commonly much more powerful than fentanyl. Some derivatives, like isotonitazene, may be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes are becoming more present in the illicit drug market, commonly as additives or replacements for opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users could unintentionally take nitazenes, elevating the threat of overdose.
- Effects: Like other opioids, individuals might experience pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. Severe respiratory depression can result, which is often deadly in high doses or when mixed with depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Detection Problems: Routine toxicology screenings may fail to find nitazenes, requiring advanced testing to identify nitazene-related overdoses.
- Risk of Overdose: Even minimal amounts can produce lethal overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) might counteract the effects, but higher or additional doses are frequently needed.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is one of the most commonly detected. Other widespread derivatives include etonitazene, metonitazene, and protonitazene, which produce life-threatening effects in minimal amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment strategies for nitazene addiction align with those developed for other opioids. Here is what you will find at credentialed centers:
- Medically supervised detox: Promotes safety throughout the withdrawal process.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Incorporates medications like buprenorphine or methadone to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy and counseling: Behavioral therapy to investigate root causes and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Aftercare planning: Long-term recovery plans support sustained sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center offers the highest level of care for individuals dealing with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically supervised detox: 24-hour medical guidance to maintain comfort and safety over the course of detox
- Responsive transport: Transportation is available shortly after your call
- Individualized detox plans: Adapted care for each client that makes sense for the challenges of nitazene use
- Complete care coordination: Support covering the complete process, ensuring a seamless transition from detox to aftercare
Get Help For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everyone deserves quality detox care in Long Island. Reach out to Sunrise Detox Long Island at 631-857-3800 to get the help you need. With the emergence of potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our staff is devoted to offering timely 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.
