Nitazenes (synthetic opioids) have been found in heroin and benzodiazepines supplied in Scotland and may be present in other drugs including cocaine. Nitazenes are potent drugs and can cause overdose and death on their own or in combination with other drugs. Public Health Scotland first warned about these drugs in January. Their continuing presence suggests they have become an established part of supply and may prefigure the introduction of similar drugs including fentanyls which have caused many deaths in the United States and elsewhere.
Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) has worked with service providers and other stakeholders to develop information resources for people at risk of overdose due to the introduction of synthetic opioids, including nitazenes into the drug supply.
These resources are intended for people at risk – their families, friends and service staff. There is always risk so long as drug supply is unregulated. But the core message is to try and reduce risk as far as people can and to carry and use naloxone if someone overdoses. For information on local overdose and naloxone awareness sessions see the Angus ADP Training page.