Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that have recently garnered significant attention due to their impact on drug addiction. These compounds were initially synthesized in the 1950s as pain relievers but have since found their way into the illegal drug market. Unlike natural opioids, which are derived from the opium poppy, nitazenes are entirely man-made and engineered to interact with the brain’s opioid receptors.
What are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes belong to a class of synthetic opioids known for their potency and ability to interact with the same receptors in the brain as natural opioids like morphine. The chemical composition of nitazenes allows them to mimic the effects of naturally occurring opioids, although they are often far more potent. This increased potency results in stronger pain-relieving effects and also a greater potential for addiction.
The synthetic nature of nitazenes allows for several delivery methods, including powders, sprays, pills, and even liquid forms. The methods individuals use to ingest these drugs include orally, intravenously, intranasally, sublingually, and inhalation (vaping). On the street, the most common names for nitazenes are Frankenstein opioids and blank-azene.
Drug Addiction and Nitazenes
Due to their high potency, nitazenes can rapidly lead to dependency, making them particularly dangerous. For example, their influence is reflected in a concerning statistic from a 2021 analysis of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Knox County, Tennessee, where 12% involved a form of nitazene called metonitazene in combination with fentanyl.
One of the primary issues with nitazenes is their potential to be mixed with other substances, creating a cocktail of highly addictive and dangerous drugs. This mixing often occurs without the user’s knowledge, leading to increased risks of overdose and severe health complications. The synthetic nature of nitazenes allows them to be easily manufactured in illegal labs, resulting in varying strengths and forms that make it difficult for users to gauge the potency of the drug they are taking.
Health Dangers of Nitazenes
Taking nitazines can lead to severe, long-term physical and mental health issues. These include a high risk of overdose, which can result in life-threatening respiratory depression. This is a condition in which breathing slows down or stops, reducing oxygen levels in the body and leading to potential brain damage or death if not addressed promptly. Nitazene overdoses often require larger or multiple doses of naloxone (Narcan) to reverse their effects, if they can be countered at all.
The Legal Classification of Nitazenes
Nitazenes are subject to evolving legal classifications and regulatory measures due to their complex nature and significant abuse potential. According to an article in the Federal Register, some nitazenes have been classified as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, others remain unscheduled, presenting a loophole that illicit drug manufacturers exploit. Illegal labs can rapidly create new variations of nitazenes quickly due to their structural flexibility, making the scheduling process of the drugs complicated.
Do You Need Help with Drug or Alcohol Addiction?
If you answered yes to that question, you are not alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, help is available. Addiction is a treatable, manageable disease that can affect anyone. Our caring professional staff at Anabranch Recovery Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, will help you overcome your addiction by providing you with the resources and skills you need. Learn how you can begin your journey on the path to recovery. Reach out to us today.
