The rise of synthetic opioids, particularly nitazenes, is causing concern among medical experts in Australia. These potent drugs can be found in various forms, including powders, tablets, nasal sprays, and vape liquids. They are often mixed with other substances and sold as different drugs, increasing the risk of overdose for non-regular opioid users. The Penington Institute’s chief executive, John Ryan, warns that people may unknowingly consume nitazenes when using substances like cocaine or marijuana that have been contaminated with these synthetic opioids.
The surge in synthetic opioids is believed to be a response to the Taliban’s crackdown on heroin and opium production in Afghanistan, creating a gap in the black market that drug traffickers are exploiting. Approximately 25 different types of nitazenes can be manufactured using readily available chemicals, making them easy to produce and distribute on home soil. Australian authorities, including the Australian Federal Police, are anticipating an increase in the importation of these dangerous substances into the country.
Despite efforts to intercept illicit drug shipments, authorities only catch a fraction of the contraband being imported into Australia. Border Force commissioner Michael Outram previously stated that only a quarter of illicit drug importations are detected. Medical experts stress the importance of preparing for a potential surge in overdoses by improving treatment options, offering supervised injecting spaces, rolling out pill testing, and ensuring the availability of naloxone, a life-saving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is currently available over the counter for free in Australia, but only around 60% of pharmacies stock it. Experts like MacCartney and Ryan emphasize the need to shift towards managing the demand for drugs through improved access to treatment, rather than relying solely on law enforcement to address the issue. They advocate for medication-assisted treatment and opioid substitution treatment as effective ways to combat opioid dependence.
Recent cases in Australia, such as a western Sydney man charged with drug offences after attempting to import nitazenes from the UK, highlight the growing presence of synthetic opioids in the country. Another case involved a Northern Territory man intercepted with five grams of metonitazene hidden in a package. These incidents underscore the urgent need for action to prevent further harm from these dangerous substances. Authorities warn that nitazenes were never approved for therapeutic use due to their high potency and risk of overdose, and taking them is a gamble with one’s life.
In conclusion, the rise of synthetic opioids like nitazenes poses a significant threat to public health in Australia. As drug traffickers exploit gaps in the black market to distribute these potent substances, the risk of overdose increases for both opioid-dependent individuals and non-regular users. Authorities are bracing for a surge in the importation of synthetic opioids and stress the importance of improving treatment options, offering supervised injecting spaces, and ensuring the availability of naloxone to combat overdoses. It is crucial for Australia to address this growing crisis by shifting towards managing the demand for drugs through effective treatment strategies.
