Is The 'Frankenstein Drug' Deadlier Than Fentanyl? Nitazenes Hit The Streets And The UN Is Concerned

By Lucía Tedesco via El Planteo

Nitazenes are synthetic opioids, even more potent and -possibly- more dangerous than fentanyl. And they have already infiltrated the illicit drug market.

June 26 marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released a report noting that the global number of illicit drug users rose to 292 million in 2022.

Cannabis remains the most widely used substance, with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million), amphetamines (30 million), cocaine (23 million) and ecstasy (20 million). This rise is accompanied by an increase in overdose deaths attributed to nitazenes.

"Drug production, trafficking, and use continue to exacerbate instability and inequality while causing untold harm to people’s health, safety, and well-being," revealed Ghada Waly, executive director of the UNODC, according to The Chronic.

From Fentanyl To Nitazenes: The New Face Of Overdoses

Like fentanyl, these opioids are often mixed with other substances to enhance their effect, making them extremely dangerous because users are often unaware they are taking them. This information is supported by the UNODC's World Drug Report 2022, which highlights the emergence of synthetic opioids like nitazenes and their potential for causing increased overdose deaths. The mixing of these opioids with other substances without users' knowledge significantly contributes to their danger​.

Given this situation, healthcare services face incidents requiring immediate intervention, often involving the use of naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses. However, standard treatments are not delivering the expected results against nitazenes.

Addressing the right to health necessitates comprehensive strategies from leadership, encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, scientific research, compassionate care, and law enforcement.

This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

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