Many people use nitazenes because they don’t usually show up on drug tests. However, using nitazenes has a high risk of death - they are even more potent than fentanyl. In this post, Avenues Recovery explains what nitazene is, the largely unknown dangers of nitazenes, and treatment options for nitazene abuse.
What Is Nitazene?
Nitazenes are a form of synthetic (manmade) opioids that were developed in the 1960s to help battle America’s raging opioid epidemic.
The Underrecognized Danger of Nitazenes
Created as an alternative to morphine, nitazenes are 1,000 times stronger than heroin - even more potent than fentanyl. Due to their high abuse and overdose potential, they never passed clinical testing. The nitazene drug is classified as a Schedule I substance with no legal approval or proven medicinal benefits.
Nitazene opioids have gained recent popularity on the drug scene due to their ready availability and near inability to be detected when mixed with other drugs. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people die each year from nitazene abuse, but the causes of these deaths often go undetected since nitazenes are not tested for in standard drug testing panels.
Risks of Using Nitazenes
One of the main risks of taking nitazenes is that regular use can lead to addiction and dependence. Nitazenes often act on the same brain receptors as traditional opioids, increasing the risk of addiction.
Nitazenes are potent drugs, and since they are sold illegally, it’s very difficult to tell how strong each pill or batch of powder is.
When nitazenes are ingested consistently, your body may develop a tolerance to nitazenes and become dependent on them. Additionally, nitazene withdrawal symptoms can be especially intense. It is important to note that since nitazenes are illegal and not approved for medical use, people who take nitazenes may be prosecuted. Using nitazenes even once can cause potentially fatal risks, such as:
- Overdose
- Breathing difficulties
- Coma
- Death
Repeated nitazene use can lead to health issues such as:
- Heart disease
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Gastrointestinal (stomach) issues
- Mental health disorders
Impact of the Rise of Nitazene Abuse
Ironically, although nitazenes were originally developed to ease the opioid crisis, they have only worsened it. Below are three different parts of society severely affected by the increase of nitazene abuse:
- Medical Establishments: Emergency rooms across the U.S. are under pressure to develop protocols and care for severe cases of nitazene abuse, tying up medical resources needed for other patients.
- Across Society: Continued nitazene abuse affects society as a whole as well, as families crumble from their loved ones' drug use and their inability to function at work, school, or home.
- Police Forces: Nitazene use requires the law enforcement system to prevent illegal production of the drug and prosecute the illegal and inappropriate behaviors often displayed by people using nitazenes.
Nitazene Side Effects
The side effects of nitazenes include:
- Sedation (sleep-induced relaxation): Nitazenes have strong sedative properties that cause relaxation and drowsiness.
- Kidney Strain: Regular nitazene use can lead to a strain on one’s kidneys and chronic kidney disease.
- Liver Strain: Regular nitazene use can lead to chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis.
- Heart Problems: Chronic nitazene use can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and poor heart function.
- Breathing Difficulties: In high doses, nitazenes can cause breathing to slow down or even stop, which can result in death.
- Dependence and Withdrawal: Like benzodiazepines, nitazenes have the potential for tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms with abrupt cessation of use.
- Mental Health Risks: Nitazene abuse can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
- Overdose: Taking an excessive amount of nitazenes can lead to overdose, defined by breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
Isotonitazene and Protonitazene
Isotonitazene, a synthetic opioid that evolved from nitazenes, emerged in the early 2020s and has been associated with a high risk of overdose and death. Isotonitazene is considered even more powerful and dangerous than nitazenes themselves.
Protonitazene, also related to nitazenes, is another synthetic opioid pain reliever that belongs to the benzimidazole class of opioids. Like other synthetic opioids, protonitazene poses a high risk of overdose and dependence due to its incredible potency. It has been associated with reports of terrible side effects and even death and hence is classified as a controlled substance in many places.
What Is the Treatment for Nitazene Abuse?
The following is a typical treatment plan for nitazene abuse:
- Medical Detoxification: This involves a medically supervised withdrawal to manage symptoms safely. Medications may be administered to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
- Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can help individuals understand and change their patterns of substance use. Therapy sessions may address underlying issues contributing to addiction and teach coping skills to manage cravings and triggers.
- Support Groups: Participation in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can give people a sense of community, encouragement, and accountability as they work toward recovery.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): In some cases, medications may be given to help manage cravings and prevent relapse.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Many individuals with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Treatment that addresses both substance abuse and mental health issues concurrently is often necessary for successful recovery.
- Lifestyle Changes: Treatment may involve changing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep habits, and social support systems to support long-term recovery.
- Aftercare Planning: Planning for ongoing support and relapse prevention is crucial for maintaining sober living after completing formal treatment. This may involve continued participation in support groups, regular therapy sessions, and establishing a healthy routine.
Get Help for Nitazene Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from a substance use disorder involving nitazenes, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our expert team of addiction specialists have helped thousands of people recover from addiction, and they can help you too. We use evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans to give every individual the unique help they need. Our professional staff treats every client with utmost care and respect. If you're serious about addiction recovery, contact us today. We will be with you every step of your way to sobriety.