Recognizing The Risk Of Nitazenes, the Newest Class Of Incredibly Strong Synthetic Opioids
January 13, 2025
Nitazenes, a group of powerful synthetic opioids, have appeared as a major concern as a result of their high potency and connection to overdose deaths. Despite the dearth of detailed statistics, troubling reports indicate the devastating and deadly impact. Learn more about the threats, effects, key facts, and treatment options.
What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that act on receptors in the brain. They were originally developed more than half a century ago as an alternative to morphine but were never approved because of their extreme risk of overdose.
Nitazenes are significantly stronger than traditional opioids like morphine or even fentanyl. They are linked to many overdoses globally as they have started to appear in unlawful drug markets.
How Can You Recognize Nitazenes?
Nitazenes can be found in multiple forms. You can discover them as the following:
- Powdered white substance, crystal-like solid, or brown/yellow powder.
- Counterfeit medications (e.g., imitation oxycodone) are commonly blended with heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Several of the recently reported xylazine overdoses involve nitazenes. A complicating factor is that xylazine, an animal tranquilizer often used as prep for surgery, would not necessarily be found on medical toxicology screens conducted in hospitals.
be discovered on clinical toxicology screens conducted in ERs.
Global Health Concerns Regarding Nitazenes
As a result of its recent appearance and the scarcity of official research concerning the use and effects of nitazenes, a good deal of information about these powerful synthetics comes from anecdotal user descriptions. But it’s becoming more apparent that nitazenes are making the opioid epidemic worse, leading to elevating overdose rates through fake pills and street drugs. In light of the unauthorized production, there is an elevated threat of varying, dangerous levels of potency and contamination.
Important Facts About Nitazenes
Adding to the opioid epidemic, nitazenes are incredibly powerful and come with a high threat of overdose. Here are several more facts about these dangerous opioids:
- Potency: Nitazenes are frequently much more potent than fentanyl. Certain derivatives, like isotonitazene, can be 20 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Illicit Use: Nitazenes are increasing widespread in the illegal drug market, commonly as additives or replacements for opioids like fentanyl or heroin. Users might unknowingly ingest nitazenes, raising the threat of overdose.
- Effects: In a similar fashion as other opioids, people who take nitazenes might experience sedation, pain relief, and euphoria. Dangerous respiratory depression can result, which is frequently deadly in high doses or when taken with depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
- Detection Concerns: Routine toxicology screenings may not detect nitazenes, necessitating different testing to identify nitazene-influenced overdoses.
- Threat of Overdose: Even small amounts can produce deadly overdoses. Naloxone (Narcan) might reverse effects, but higher or multiple doses are often necessary.
- Variants: Isotonitazene is one of the most commonly detected. Other common derivatives include etonitazene, metonitazene, and protonitazene, which produce dangerous effects in limited amounts.
Treatment for Nitazene Addiction
Treatment strategies for nitazene addiction align with those developed for other opioids. Here is what you can access at accredited facilities:
- Medically directed detox: Focuses on safety throughout the withdrawal process.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Incorporates medications like methadone or buprenorphine to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and urges.
- Therapy and counseling: Behavioral therapy to examine root causes and establish healthy coping devices.
- Aftercare planning: Thoughtfully designed recovery plans support enduring sobriety.
How Sunrise Detox Can Help
Sunrise Detox Center offers complete care for individuals battling nitazene addiction.
What We Offer
- Safe, medically supervised detox: 24-hour medical supervision to maintain comfort and safety over the course of detox
- Prompt transport: Transportation is available shortly after your call
- Individualized detox plans: Tailored care for all patients that addresses the challenges of nitazene use
- Comprehensive care management: Support covering the entire process, ensuring an effortless transition from detox to the next stage of care
Get Support For Nitazene Addiction Today
Everyone deserves skilled detox care in . Contact Sunrise Detox Center at 888-443-3869 to obtain the guidance you require. With the increase of potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes, our team is dedicated to offering compassionate and timely support 24 hours a day, 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.
