Examining The Risk Of Nitazenes, the Latest Class Of Dangerously Potent Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a class of powerful synthetic opioids, have emerged as a significant concern as a result of their extreme potency and connection to overdose fatalities. While detailed worldwide statistics are limited, disturbing reports recognize the devastating and deadly impact. Explore the risks, effects, important facts, and treatment options.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids that affect receptors in the brain. They were originally created about 60 years ago as a substitute to morphine but were not approved due to their elevated risk of overdose.
Nitazenes are considerably stronger than conventional opioids like morphine or other dangerous synthetics like fentanyl. They are connected to numerous overdoses across the world as they have become present in unlawful 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 powder with brown or yellow coloring.
- Counterfeit pills (e.g., fake oxycodone) are frequently blended with heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the most recent xylazine overdoses involve nitazenes. Complicating matters is the fact that xylazine, an animal sedative commonly used as a preparation for surgery, wouldn’t necessarily be found on clinical toxicology screens performed in ERs.
be identified on medical toxicology screens performed in ERs.
Global Public Health Concerns Regarding Nitazenes
As a result of its recent arrival and the lack of formal research concerning the use and effects of nitazenes, some of the information about these powerful substances comes from anecdotal user descriptions. But it’s now becoming clear that nitazenes are worsening the opioid epidemic, adding to rising overdose rates through fake pills and illegal drugs. In light of the unauthorized production, there is an elevated danger of inconsistent, dangerous degrees of potency and contamination.
Important Facts About Nitazenes
Adding to the opioid crisis, nitazenes are extraordinarily powerful and have a high threat of overdose. Here are some additional facts about these synthetic opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are often much stronger than fentanyl. Various derivatives, such as isotonitazene, may be 20 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes have become more widespread in the underground drug market, commonly as substitutes or additives to opioids like heroin or fentanyl. Users might inadvertently take nitazenes, increasing overdose risks.
- Effects: Similar to other opioids, individuals could experience euphoria, sedation, and pain relief. Dangerous respiratory depression may take place, which is often fatal in large doses or when taken with depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Detection Problems: Regular toxicology screenings may fail to detect nitazenes, calling for different testing to identify nitazene-influenced overdoses.
- Threat of Overdose: Even minimal amounts can produce fatal overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) might neutralize the effects, but larger or repeated doses are often necessary.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is one of the most frequently discovered. Other common derivatives include protonitazene, metonitazene, and etonitazene, which cause life-threatening effects in limited amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment approaches for nitazene addiction mirror those developed for other opioids. Here are the types of care you will find at credentialed facilities:
- Medically supervised detox: Focuses on safety throughout the withdrawal process.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Incorporates approved drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and urges.
- Skilled therapy: Behavioral therapy to examine root causes and build beneficial coping strategies.
- Aftercare planning: Carefully designed recovery plans encourage enduring sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center delivers the highest level of care for those struggling with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically directed detox: 24-hour medical guidance to ensure safety and comfort during detox
- Prompt transport: Transportation within minutes of your call
- Personalized detox plans: Tailored care for all clients that addresses the challenges of nitazene use
- Full-service care planning: Support covering the recovery process, providing a smooth transition from detox to the next stage of care
Get Support For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everybody deserves quality detox care in Atlanta. Reach out to Sunrise Detox Alpharetta at (678) 928-6557 to find the help you require. With the increase of strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our team is committed to supplying compassionate and prompt support day and night, 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.
