If you haven't heard of nitazenes, you're not alone. Officials are issuing warnings about the new and deadly threat in the nation's ongoing opioid epidemic.Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids that have been around since the 1950s, but now, authorities say they are being mixed with other illegal narcotics, like heroin and methamphetamine.
Forbes reported earlier this year the prevalence of nitazenes is picking up in other states like Ohio, which saw a nearly 20% jump in 2022, while Tennessee reported 42 deadly overdoses the same year, four times more than the previous year. "Because the fatality risk is so high with nitazenes, similarly to fentanyl, could someone develop an opioid use disorder with these drugs? Absolutely," said Dr. Alexandria Stratyner, an addiction and recovery psychologist.However, according to Dr.