Nitazenes: Rising Concern Over New Synthetic Opioids in Ballarat

Nitazenes: A New Threat

An emerging new drug type known to be stronger than fentanyl is concerning Ballarat drug and alcohol experts. Nitazenes, a type of synthetic opioid, have not yet been detected in Ballarat but it is only a matter of time, having been linked to deaths in Melbourne and NSW.

High Potency Raises Alarm

What is also a concern is that nitazenes have been detected in drugs other than opioids, such as cocaine and MDMA, posing a massive risk of overdose to those with no or little opioid tolerance. "It's really dangerous, especially for people who have no previous opioid use because they have no tolerance," said Ballarat Community Health harm reduction coordinator Kate Davenport.

Community Preparedness

• Authorities have been monitoring the situation closely.
• Davenport noted that there have been fewer detections of nitazenes in Victoria than in NSW but still expresses concern due to their higher potency.
• Drug-related deaths in the region totaled 58 from 2018 to 2022.

Discussion on Overdose Prevention

As part of their commitment to education, BCH will hold a panel discussing nitazenes and overdose prevention on August 28, coinciding with International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The conversation will feature addiction medicine professionals and community health leaders.