Nitazenes, a potent category of synthetic opioids, have emerged as a significant concern in drug markets, particularly in Scotland. Known scientifically as 2-benzyl benzimidazole opioids, these substances are highly effective at activating opioid receptors, leading to pronounced central nervous system depression.
Historically, nitazenes were developed over 60 years ago as alternatives to morphine, but their high potential for overdose prevented their approval as medications. The first identification of nitazenes in European drug markets occurred in 2019, with Scotland seeing their presence by mid-2021. Since then, 22 different nitazenes have been detected across Europe, including commonly encountered variants like etonitazene and metonitazene.
The opioid crisis in the UK is worsening, influenced by factors such as reduced investment in drug treatment, socioeconomic deprivation, and increasing poly-drug use. While the crisis has not yet reached the staggering levels seen in the US—where synthetic opioids like fentanyl were linked to over 106,000 deaths in 2021—the emergence of nitazenes poses a new and serious threat. Some nitazenes can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin, often found mixed with other drugs, which heightens the risk of accidental overdose.
Users of nitazenes may experience short-term effects like euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation, but these benefits come with severe risks. Overdose symptoms can include slow breathing, bluish lips, and loss of consciousness, necessitating immediate medical attention. While naloxone can temporarily reverse these effects, the potency of nitazenes might require multiple doses to be effective.
As nitazenes continue to proliferate in the drug market, raising awareness about their dangers is crucial. The unpredictability of mixing nitazenes with other substances adds another layer of complexity to this growing crisis, highlighting the urgent need for targeted strategies to mitigate the risks associated with these synthetic opioids.
