If you’re wondering what nitazenes are, don’t worry – you’re not alone. However, the rise in discussions about this substance has many people curious and concerned.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing what nitazenes are, why they are gaining attention, and what implications they might have.
What’s an Opioid?
Before we get into more detail on nitazenes, let’s quickly talk about what an opioid is. Opioids are a type of drug that a doctor may prescribe to people living with chronic pain, but unfortunately, it’s also abused recreationally.
Opioid drugs can made from the poppy plant (e.g. morphine and heroin) or made in a lab (these are synthetic opioids, such as methadone or fentanyl). Nitazene is also a type of synthetic opioid, and these drugs can significantly reduce pain, but they can also be very dangerous because they are super addictive.
So, What Are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes have emerged as a significant and concerning addition to the opioid family. Recent trends indicate a notable increase in their presence on the streets here in the UK. It’s not a substance that’s available for medical use in the UK, so you cannot be prescribed nitazenes.
Nitazenes are often referred to as “designer opioids” due to being synthetic drugs. This term reflects their deliberate chemical design to mimic the effects of traditional opioids, such as morphine and heroin, but they also incorporate slight structural modifications. These alterations can actually enhance their potency and impact.
As you may have already seen, they’ve quickly become a topic of concern recently, and it’s due to their potency and the potential for abuse.
How Are Nitazenes Used, and Why Are They Dangerous?
Nitazenes are typically consumed as a tablet or in powder form. They’re considered to be dangerous psychoactive substances because:
- They’re very strong: These drugs are much stronger than many other opioids. For context, they can be even stronger than fentanyl, which is already extremely potent. This means it’s easier to take too much and have a nitazene overdose.
- They’re not very well-known: Because nitazenes are relatively new to the scene, not everyone knows about them. This makes it harder for doctors and first responders to know how to treat someone who’s taken them.
- They’re very hard to detect: Standard drug tests often don’t pick up nitazenes – so someone could be taking them without anyone realising it, which makes treatment and prevention even tougher
The Impact of Nitazenes in the UK
In the UK, nitazenes are starting to show up more and more. This is a big concern, with various reports claiming that abuse is happening in places like London, Manchester, and parts of Scotland. It’s likely they are spreading to other areas, too, as more drug-related deaths have been linked to synthetic opioids.
There are a few reasons why nitazenes are becoming more common:
- The drug market is always changing. Dealers are always looking for new drugs to sell, especially ones that might be stronger or harder to detect.
- It’s becoming easier to get the chemicals needed to make nitazenes, so more people are making and selling them.
Because of this, the UK government have recently banned 15 more synthetic opioids and made them Class A controlled substances, which includes nitazene. This means these drugs are very illegal and dangerous. The government wants to stop people from using and selling these drugs to protect everyone’s health.
They are also increasing the number of drug seizures and monitoring drug activities more closely. Doctors and nurses are also being informed so they can help people who overdose on these drugs. They are learning about nitazenes so they can quickly recognise and treat overdoses, which can save lives.
The rise of nitazenes shows that the drug problem is changing in the UK. These new drugs are more dangerous, so the government and health workers are staying alert and updating their plans to keep people safe. Public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate people about the risks of nitazenes and how to avoid them. This includes talks in schools, community centres, and online information to reach as many people as possible.
Accidentally Taking Nitazene: What to Do
If you or someone else accidentally takes nitazene, you will need to act quickly and follow these steps to ensure safety.
Stay With Others
If substances are being used, stay with others. The risk of overdose is high, and having someone with you can be lifesaving. If something goes wrong, they can call for help immediately. Look out for:
- Extremely slow breathing (respiratory depression)
- Blue lips or nails
- Unresponsiveness
- Snoring
If you observe any of these symptoms, make your way to A&E, or if you are also under the influence of drugs or alcohol, seek help or call an ambulance immediately.
Use Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. If you have it, use it right away. Make sure those around you also know how to administer Naloxone in case of an emergency.
Seek Help
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you or someone else is struggling with drug use. It’s never too late to get the help you need, and it’s possible to recover from addiction with the right support.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction and want to find support, contact us today.
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