Examining The Perils Of Nitazenes, the Latest Class Of Dangerously Strong Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a category of strong synthetic opioids, have surfaced as a significant concern due to their high potency and link to overdose fatalities. While detailed worldwide statistics are sparse, troubling reports recognize the devastating and deadly impact. Learn more about what they are, the risks, effects, and treatment options.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids that affect opioid receptors in the brain. They were originally formulated over 50 years ago as an alternative to morphine but were never distributed as a result of their extreme potential for overdose.
Nitazenes are substantially more powerful than standard opioids like morphine or other deadly synthetics like fentanyl. They are linked to many overdose deaths across the world as they have begun to emerge in unlawful drug markets.
How Can You Recognize Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are available in various forms. You may encounter them as the following:
- White powder, crystalline solid, or yellow/brown powder.
- Counterfeit medications (e.g., fake oxycodone) are commonly mixed with ketamine, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the most recent xylazine overdoses implicate nitazenes. Complicating things is the fact that xylazine, an animal tranquilizer commonly used as prep for surgery, wouldn’t necessarily be discovered on clinical toxicology screens conducted in ERs.
be discovered on medical toxicology screens conducted in ERs.
Global Health Ramifications Of Nitazenes
Due to its recent arrival and the scarcity of comprehensive research concerning the effects of nitazenes, some of the information about these powerful synthetics comes from unscientific user descriptions. But it’s becoming clear that nitazenes are making the drug epidemic worse, contributing to elevating overdose rates through counterfeit pills and illicit drugs. Because of the unauthorized production, there is a higher threat of varying, dangerous degrees of potency and contamination.
Important Facts About Nitazenes
Adding to the opioid crisis, nitazenes are extraordinarily powerful and have an elevated risk of overdose. Here are several more facts about these synthetic opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are frequently much more powerful than fentanyl. Various derivatives, such as isotonitazene, can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes have become more common in the underground drug market, commonly as additives or substitutes for opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users may unknowingly consume nitazenes, raising the risk of overdose.
- Effects: In a similar fashion as other opioids, individuals may experience pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. Severe respiratory depression may take place, which is often fatal in large doses or when combined with depressants like benzos or alcohol.
- Detection Problems: Regular toxicology screenings may not detect nitazenes, calling for advanced testing to determine nitazene-influenced overdoses.
- Threat of Overdose: Even minimal amounts can lead to deadly overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) may counteract the effects, but larger or repeated doses are frequently needed.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is among the most commonly discovered. Other prevalent derivatives include metonitazene, protonitazene, and etonitazene, which create dangerous effects in limited amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment strategies for nitazene addiction mirror those for other opioids. Here are the services you will find at accredited centers:
- Medically supervised detox: Focuses on safety throughout the withdrawal process.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Incorporates medications like buprenorphine or methadone to control withdrawal symptoms and urges.
- Counseling: Behavioral therapy to examine the origins of the addiction and develop beneficial coping strategies.
- Aftercare planning: Thoughtfully designed recovery plans support enduring sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center delivers comprehensive care for people struggling with nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically directed detox: 24/7 medical observation to promote safety and comfort over the course of detox
- Prompt transport: Transportation within minutes of your call
- Custom detox plans: Customized care for all clients that makes sense for the difficulties of nitazene use
- Full-service care management: Guidance over the recovery process, ensuring an effortless transition from detox to the next stage of care
Get Support For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everybody deserves skilled detox care in Toms River. Call Sunrise Detox Toms River at 732-504-3527 to obtain the guidance you require. With the rise of strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our staff is devoted to offering prompt and compassionate support day and night, all year long.
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.
