Imagine a drug so potent that just a tiny amount can be deadly—1000 times stronger than morphine! That's the terrifying reality facing communities in Adelaide, Australia, as a synthetic opioid known as nitazene invades the street drug scene and raises alarms about a potential crisis in overdose cases.

In an eye-opening study by researchers at the University of South Australia, traces of this dangerous substance were discovered in discarded drug paraphernalia, including syringes and filters, at local needle and syringe program sites. Published on July 31 in the Drug & Alcohol Review, this study marks the first of its kind in South Australia and suggests that this life-threatening opioid is becoming disturbingly prevalent in the drug trade.

Through advanced chemical analysis, researchers detected nitazenes in 5% of 300 samples collected, often found mixed with heroin, further complicating the already hazardous landscape of illicit drug use. Since 2020, nitazenes have been linked to 32 overdose deaths in Australia, with a staggering 84% of those affected ignorant of the synthetic opioid lurking within their drugs.

Leading the research, UniSA Associate Professor Cobus Gerber cautioned, "Nitazenes are among the most potent synthetic opioids in circulation today, some stronger than fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin." He emphasizes that the potential for lethality exists even in minuscule amounts, particularly since these substances often make their way into other drugs, making them nearly impossible to detect.

Compounding the danger, some nitazenes were found in conjunction with xylazine, a veterinary sedative not approved for human use. This alarming combination echoes troubling trends seen in the United States, where similar drug mixtures have contributed to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths. According to Prof. Gerber, xylazine has been associated with severe side effects like necrotic skin lesions and prolonged sedation, further endangering users.

Shockingly, less than 20% of cases related to nitazenes involved individuals who knowingly ingested the drug. Most believed they were consuming heroin or other more familiar substances, highlighting the critical risk of accidental exposure. Co-author Dr. Emma Keller points out that contaminated drugs can turn standard doses into fatal ones, especially for those unaware of what they’re taking or who lack access to naloxone, an emergency medication that counteracts opioid overdoses.

The emergence of nitazenes in South Australia is prompting calls for enhanced drug-checking services, including nitazene-specific drug testing strips and robust public health alerts. Prof. Gerber advocates for the chemical testing of drug paraphernalia, which he claims can effectively identify emerging threats in the drug supply, enabling rapid responses to health agencies and treatment services.

As the situation evolves, drug and alcohol services in South Australia are already sharing the study findings with community advisory groups and healthcare providers, aiming to pave the way for informed choices and safer practices among drug users.