Scottish Drugs Forum has published an updated resource on nitazenes, a group of synthetic opioids that have been increasingly detected in Scotland’s drug supply and are linked to rising numbers of overdoses, hospitalisations and deaths.
Nitazenes are many times stronger than heroin, morphine and fentanyl. In some cases, they can be up to 500 times stronger. Only a very small amount is needed to cause an effect, making overdose, respiratory depression and death much more likely.
They are most often found as contaminants in substances sold as heroin, benzodiazepines or oxycodone, but can also appear in counterfeit medications. Nitazenes can be injected, swallowed, smoked or snorted, and their presence may not alter the look, taste or texture of drugs. Potency can vary significantly, even within the same batch.
The updated resource provides practical information on:
- Overdose risks and how to recognise them
- Harm reduction advice, including drug checking and naloxone
- Support, treatment and further resources
Download the Nitazenes resource (PDF)
For more information and resources, visit Stop The Deaths