Adelaide Study Reveals Dangerous Synthetic Opioids in Syringes

A recent study in Adelaide, Australia, has uncovered traces of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes in discarded syringes and other drug paraphernalia. Conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia, this research raises alarms about the potential for increased overdose incidents linked to these dangerous substances. The findings were published in the Drug & Alcohol Review on March 15, 2024.

Using advanced chemical analysis, the researchers detected nitazenes in approximately 5% of the 300 samples collected from public disposal bins at local needle and syringe program sites. These samples included syringes, plastic bags, vials, and filters. Notably, nitazenes are reported to be 1,000 times more potent than morphine and have been associated with 32 overdose deaths across Australia from 2020 to 2024. Alarmingly, 84% of individuals affected were unaware that they had ingested this synthetic opioid.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Cobus Gerber emphasized the lethal nature of nitazenes, stating, “These substances can be lethal in tiny quantities and are often mixed with other drugs, making them incredibly difficult to detect and monitor through traditional means.” The study found that nitazenes were frequently combined with heroin and sometimes included xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary sedative not approved for human use. This combination poses significant health risks, including severe skin reactions and prolonged sedation.

The presence of xylazine in conjunction with nitazenes is particularly concerning, as it mirrors trends observed in other countries, especially the United States, where such drug mixtures have contributed to rising overdose rates. “Finding xylazine alongside nitazenes in the same samples is a worrying sign,” added Professor Gerber.

The research indicates that less than one in five emergency cases related to nitazenes involved individuals who knowingly consumed the drug. Most users mistakenly believed they were taking heroin or methamphetamine, highlighting the risks of accidental exposure. Co-author Dr. Emma Keller stated, “When drugs are contaminated with nitazenes, the margin for error narrows dramatically. Standard doses can become fatal, especially for people who don’t know what their product contains.”

In light of these findings, advocates are calling for enhanced drug-checking services, including the implementation of nitazene-specific testing strips and public health alerts. Professor Gerber argues that using chemical testing on used drug paraphernalia is a non-invasive and effective method to identify emerging threats in the drug market. “This kind of data can trigger rapid alerts to health agencies, treatment services, and peer networks, allowing people who use drugs to make more informed choices,” he noted.

While wastewater analysis is a tool used to monitor illicit drug use in communities, the fluctuating patterns of drug consumption necessitate additional monitoring methods, such as chemical testing. The findings from the study, co-authored by Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, have been shared with community advisory groups and healthcare providers as part of the state’s early warning system network.

This research serves as a crucial step in understanding the evolving landscape of synthetic opioids and their impact on public health. The presence of nitazenes in Adelaide’s drug supply underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures to prevent potential overdose crises.