A dangerous new class of synthetic opioids—known as nitazenes or benzimidazole-opioids—is rapidly contributing to fatal overdoses across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Although these substances have existed for decades, they were never approved for medical use because of their extreme toxicity. Since re-emerging on the illicit drug market around 2019, nitazenes have quickly become one of the most alarming developments in the ongoing overdose crisis.
Unmatched Potency
Nitazenes vary in strength, but many are as potent as fentanyl, while others are hundreds to thousands of times stronger than morphine. This level of potency makes them incredibly dangerous, especially for individuals who are unaware they are consuming them. Even a microscopic amount can be lethal.
Silent Contaminants in the Drug Supply
The greatest threat posed by nitazenes is their presence as unrecognized contaminants in other illicit substances. Investigators have found nitazenes mixed into or sold as:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Ketamine
- MDMA
- Fake prescription pills such as counterfeit oxycodone or Xanax
Because users often have no idea nitazenes are present, overdoses happen quickly and without warning.
Rapid International Spread
After entering the illicit market in 2019, nitazenes have spread far beyond their initial appearance. They have been linked to overdose deaths across:
- The United States
- The United Kingdom, Latvia, Sweden, and other parts of Europe
- Canada
- Australia
This rapid global distribution highlights how quickly synthetic drugs can destabilize public health systems worldwide.
Severe Overdose Risk
The risk of fatal overdose is extraordinarily high due to:
- The drugs’ unpredictable potency
- Their presence in substances people do not expect
- The difficulty in identifying them without laboratory testing
A dose too small to see can still be deadly.
Public Health Response
Emergency responders have confirmed that Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse a nitazene overdose. However, because these opioids are so potent and may linger in the body longer than fentanyl, multiple or higher-than-usual doses of Naloxone are often required.
Public health agencies continue to issue alerts, urging people to never use alone, to test substances when possible, and to always carry Naloxone.
Source:
“A New Type of Opioid Is Killing People in the US, Europe, and Australia,” Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/a-new-type-of-opioid-is-killing-people-in-the-us-europe-and-australia/