How to avoid nitazenes, the under-reported opioid finding its way into our drug supply

Knowledge and preparation are key to preventing unintentional addiction and overdose caused by nitazenes hidden in recreational drugs and counterfeit medication.

Nitazenes are lab-made synthetic opioids meant to mimic the effects of drugs like morphine and heroin. Because they are cheap to make and extremely powerful, they are showing up more and more in the UK’s drug supply, in everything from heroin to party drugs and fake prescription medicines. 

People normally take nitazenes by accident, not on purpose. They are used as a cheap way to bulk out more expensive drugs, including heroin, Valium, Xanax and Oxycodone. 

The UK government’s response to nitazenes has been too slow, and experts warn that we are not prepared for the crisis. Here are some key things you need to know about nitazenes.

Key facts about nitazenes 

Nitazenes can be up to 500 times more powerful than heroin. In comparison, fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Some nitazenes are so potent that the amount needed to overdose is not visible to the human eye.

First created by pharmaceutical researchers in the 1950s, nitazenes were originally intended for use as painkillers. However, their strength and high risk of addiction meant they were never released officially on the market. 

Nitazenes are most commonly mixed into heroin to bulk out the product, but they are also found masquerading as everything from prescription painkillers to party drugs. Like heroin, they cause respiratory depression that can be fatal. 

How to check for nitazenes 

You can test your drugs for nitazenes using simple at-home test kits. In Tower Hamlets, you can get them for free at RESET Tower Hamlets or the Release harm reduction hub. Here’s a useful video that explains how to use the kits. 

You can anonymously submit a small sample of drugs for testing using the WEDINOS sample testing service. Here’s an easy guide on how to use the service. 

If you think you’ve already been taking nitazenes unknowingly, RESET Tower Hamlets can do a urine screening for you for free. You can get in contact with RESET Tower Hamlets here. They can speak with you anonymously via phone or webchat, or in person. 

All about the antidote, naloxone

Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. You can use it to reduce overdoses of drugs like heroin, fentanyl and nitazenes. If it’s used quickly after an overdose, naloxone can save somebody’s life. 

Nitazenes are very strong, and as a result, someone who has overdosed may need two doses of naloxone. If the person does not wake up in three minutes or loses consciousness again after 30 – 90 minutes, you should give them a second dose of naloxone. 

Naloxone only buys time before emergency help arrives, so it’s important to always call 999 when you use it. 

If you think someone is overdosing but you aren’t sure what they’ve taken, you can still give them naloxone. It won’t hurt them, and it could save their life. 

Naloxone can be delivered with an injection pen or as a nasal spray. You don’t need to be a medical professional to use naloxone. Anyone can use naloxone in an emergency. 

You can get naloxone for free from local pharmacies and drug services. You can also get free training on how to use it. 

Where can I get support? 

Local pharmacies supply free naloxone, as well as a confidential clean needle exchange program. You can find a full list of participating pharmacies and their opening hours here. 

For safe and nonjudgmental drug advice, referral to services, homeless support, clean needles and naloxone, you can visit the Dellow Centre in Providence Row. 

Contact the Dellow Centre by phone on 0800 802 1860, by email at reset@providencerow.org.uk, or drop in to the centre at 82 Wentworth Street, London, E1 7SA. 

For synthetic opioid testing strips, free tea and coffee, phone charging, naloxone, clean needles, legal advice and referrals and more, visit Release’s Harm Reduction Hub in Aldgate. 

You can drop in to the Harm Reduction Hub Monday to Thursday, 14:00 to 17:00, at 61 Mansell Street, E1 8AN. 

To refer yourself or someone else for addiction support, you can phone Reset on 020 3889 9510 or email them at reset.towerhamlets@cgl.org.uk 

Safety tips for drug users  

We don’t recommend any drug use. However, if you are taking drugs, remember the slogan ‘Start low, go slow’. If you are using drugs, start with a low dose and wait at least an hour (preferably two) before you re-dose. This gives you time to see how strong the drug is and check for any unusual effects.

Avoid mixing drugs, since this increases their risk. This includes alcohol.

Don’t do drugs alone. Tell your friends what you are taking, so they can tell the paramedics if something goes wrong. If someone using drugs falls unconscious, has a seizure, or can’t be cooled down, call 999. You will not get in trouble for calling 999. 

Carry naloxone and know how to use it.

For A-Z honest information about drugs, including risks and legal advice, visit Talktofrank.com 

Nitazenes are one of the most dangerous and under-reported threats currently circulating in the UK drug supply. Their extreme potency and frequent appearance in counterfeit pills and recreational drugs make them especially risky, because many people don’t even know they’re taking them. But there are ways to stay safer.

By using drug testing kits, carrying naloxone, avoiding using alone, and accessing local harm reduction services, you can reduce the risk for yourself and the people around you. Whether you’re a drug user, a friend, or a concerned family member, knowledge and preparation can prevent unintentional addiction and overdose.

Read our synthetic opioids series from the beginning: The arrival of an invisible killer: Is Tower Hamlets ready for Nitazenes?

Read the previous article: Nitazenes: Tower Hamlets rough sleepers report panic about new synthetic opioids hidden in drugs