Frankenstein drugs, synthetic opioids mixed with other substances, are causing a spike in overdose deaths. This article examines what they are, their dangers, and responses to this growing public health crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Metonitazene and other nitazene compounds, more potent than fentanyl, have emerged on the streets, making overdose deaths more likely due to their high potency and presence in counterfeit pills.
- The DEA has responded by classifying many nitazenes as controlled substances and is working to track their spread, emphasizing the dangers of these drugs mixed with other substances like heroin and fentanyl.
- Public health officials and the DEA are warning about the severe risks posed by these ‘Frankenstein opioids,’ highlighting the critical need for awareness and access to treatment for opioid addiction.
Brief Overview
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a hidden, sinister threat crept into the street drug market: metonitazene, a member of the new synthetic opioids class named nitazene compounds. These substances often surface stealthily, mixed with fentanyl or other agents, making them difficult to detect and dangerously easy to accidentally consume. Forensic labs first sounded the alarm in 2020, detecting their presence in counterfeit pills.
The DEA, tasked with protecting the public from such hazards, faces a formidable opponent in these Frankenstein drugs.
The Rise of Frankenstein Drugs
Amidst global chaos, Frankenstein opioids, a new menace, made their appearance on the streets. These synthetic opioids, some exponentially more potent than fentanyl, are indiscriminately combined with other drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. With potency levels that swing wildly and entail life-threatening side effects, these new drugs are particularly dangerous.
The actual extent of their impact remains hidden, as so many overdose deaths potentially remain unattributed to these deadly substances. Users, unaware of the dangers lurking within, might not realize the medical emergency they face until it’s too late.
Understanding Nitazene Compounds
Developed for research in the 1950s yet never green-lighted for medical usage, nitazene compounds fall under a unique category within the opioid family – benzimidazole opioids. Functioning as opioid receptor agonists, they share similarities with morphine and heroin in their effects. However, nitazenes, including variants like isotonitazene, protonitazene, and etonitazene, are far more potent – some can be up to 40 times stronger than fentanyl and thousands of times more potent than morphine, presenting a grave threat to users.
Increased Risk of Overdose Deaths
The overwhelming potency of nitazene drugs, which can be up to 40 times stronger than fentanyl, has triggered a massive increase in drug overdose deaths. These synthetic opioids, including isotonitazene, have been linked to a disturbing number of fatalities in the U.S. and Canada,. The dangers of these drugs are not to be underestimated; their addictive nature and the respiratory depression they cause increase the risk of accidental overdoses.
In 2022 Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost warned residents that authorities have reported an increase in the prevalence of the drug over the last year. “Frankenstein opioids are even more lethal than the drugs already responsible for so many overdose deaths,” Mr. Yost said.
In some harrowing cases, first responders have found themselves administering multiple doses of naloxone to combat the powerful effects of nitazenes.
The Role of Counterfeit Pills
When it comes to illegal drugs, counterfeit pills pose a deceptive threat, posing as bona fide pharmaceuticals while concealing lethal Frankenstein opioids. These fake medications have been found to contain nitazene compounds, significantly increasing the potency and lethality of the pills.
The challenge of identifying these fraudulent substances is scary, and the DEA urges vigilance, advising the public to only take medications prescribed directly by a healthcare provider for their medical use.
Poly-Drug Use and Its Dangers
The risk associated with Frankenstein opioids escalates when they are combined with dangerous other drugs like cocaine. Often, these drugs are typically combined with the likes of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, creating a toxic cocktail that increases the risk of drug overdose deaths,. Unintentional ingestion of multiple drugs, a disturbingly common occurrence, catapults the risk of overdoses to new heights.
The combination of Frankenstein opioids with other substances can lead to severe health consequences, including:
- Alcohol: severe respiratory suppression
- Methamphetamine: cardiovascular crises
- Other potent opioids like fentanyl: devastating health consequences, including severe skin infections.
Efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Faced with the rising threat of synthetic opioids, the DEA responded decisively in 2021 by moving numerous nitazenes into the controlled substances category temporarily. With the spread of isotonitazene from the Midwest to other regions of the country, the DEA has been vigilant in tracking the movement of these drugs, which have been found mixed with heroin and fentanyl, heightening the danger of overdose deaths.
Public Health Warnings from Officials
Officials have been actively voicing the dangers associated with nitazenes. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, for instance, has issued stark warnings about these emerging hazards, labeling them “Frankenstein opioids” due to their increased lethality. The DEA has echoed these sentiments, warning residents about the potent dangers of these drugs and their classification as a public health concern.
It’s imperative for both law enforcement and the public to remain aware and vigilant in the face of this emerging threat.
Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder
Assistance and hope are available for opioid addiction. Recreate Ohio, based in Columbus, offers a continuum of care for addiction, including crucial services such as detoxification, residential inpatient programs, and intensive outpatient programs. Each person needing help works with the clinical team to create a plan that is clinically sound and designed to meet the individual’s needs, providing a pathway to recovery and a chance to rebuild lives.
Summary
As we’ve examined the Frankenstein drug crisis, the stark reality is clear: these synthetic opioids pose an unprecedented threat to public health. From their disguised presence in counterfeit pills to the alarming surge in overdose deaths, the dangers are real and present. The DEA’s ongoing efforts and the warnings from public officials underscore the gravity of the situation. Yet, there is a hope and help in Ohio at Recreate Ohio – an addiction and mental health treatment center, offering a lifeline to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nitazene compounds?
Nitazene compounds are a class of synthetic opioids that are significantly stronger than fentanyl and pose serious risks to users. It is important to be aware of these risks and avoid their use.
Why are they called Frankenstein opioids?
They are called Frankenstein opioids because of their synthetic nature and the unpredictable, dangerous effects they have, resembling the uncontrollable creation in Mary Shelley’s novel.
How can overdoses caused by nitazene compounds be treated?
Overdoses caused by nitazene compounds can be reversed with naloxone (Narcan), but multiple doses may be needed due to the drugs’ high potency. Be sure to seek medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose.
What is the role of counterfeit pills in the opioid crisis?
Counterfeit pills play a significant role in the opioid crisis by increasing the risk of accidental and potentially lethal overdoses due to the presence of Frankinstein opioids.
Where can individuals seek help for opioid use disorder?
You can seek help for opioid use disorder from addiction and mental health centers like Recreate Ohio, which provides tailored services such as detoxification, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient programs.
Sources:
