News Summary
Health officials in Rhode Island are increasingly alarmed by the detection of synthetic opioids known as Nitazenes in local drug supplies. Associated risks remain high due to the extreme potency of these substances, often mixed with fentanyl. While no fatalities have been reported from Nitazene use in Rhode Island, nationally, there have been 320 deaths linked to Nitazenes in 2024 alone. The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising healthcare providers to be vigilant regarding these risks and the necessity of harm reduction practices.
Rhode Island Faces Rising Concern Over Synthetic Opioids
Providence, Rhode Island—The detection of potent synthetic opioids known as Nitazenes has raised alarms among health officials in Rhode Island as these substances begin appearing in the local drug supply. Frequently found mixed with fentanyl, Nitazenes pose severe risks due to their extreme potency and have raised concerns throughout the state.
Joseph Wendelken, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Health, confirmed that while there have been no reported fatalities from Nitazene usage in Rhode Island to date, there is a growing sense of urgency surrounding the substance. Nationally, approximately 320 deaths related to Nitazenes have been recorded in the U.S. in 2024, a staggering statistic given the nearly 54,000 opioid-related deaths and a total of 80,000 drug overdoses reported across the country this year alone.
Concerns and Implications for the State
As the presence of these synthetic opioids increases, health officials are on high alert. Nitazenes, initially developed as painkillers in the 1950s, were never approved for medical use due to their connection to overdose risks and serious side effects. Despite not being part of formal medical treatment protocols, their emergence in illicit drug samples has prompted serious concern regarding public health and safety.
The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued an advisory to clinicians, stressing the importance of discussing potential drug supply risks, the dangers posed by Nitazenes, and harm reduction practices with patients. Those suspected of experiencing an overdose may require Narcan (naloxone), an opioid overdose reversal drug, which might necessitate higher or repeated doses due to the extreme potency of Nitazenes.
Wastewater Analysis and Detection
To track the spread of Nitazenes, some states have initiated wastewater analysis efforts; however, detection has proven inconsistent. Studies from eight sites across seven states, including Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, and Georgia, have shown these synthetic opioids were present in wastewater samples. Despite this, the Narragansett Bay Commission in Rhode Island does not currently conduct sampling for Nitazenes.
Fentanyl’s Resurgence
Fentanyl usage remains a growing problem as well. In 2024, the positive rate for fentanyl in workplace urine tests increased to 1.13%, up from 0.91% in the previous year. This rising trend heightens concerns about the simultaneous presence of both fentanyl and Nitazenes in illicit drug markets, creating a dangerous combination for users.
Challenges in Detection and Response
The identification of Nitazenes and other novel synthetic opioids, such as spirochlorphine, is complicated by their differing chemical structures compared to more commonly known substances. Standard test strips often fail to detect these novel opioids, leaving health professionals and users at risk. Consequently, health experts recommend the administration of naloxone to anyone suspected of an opioid overdose, regardless of the specific substance involved.
Conclusion
As Rhode Island grapples with the implications of these potent synthetic opioids, efforts to educate health practitioners and the general public remain critical. The continuous monitoring of drug trends, combined with robust harm reduction strategies, will be essential in addressing the challenges posed by Nitazenes, fentanyl, and their combined effects on the health landscape of the state.
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Additional Resources
- GoLocalProv: Deadly Nitazenes 800 Times More Potent Than Morphine
- Wikipedia: Synthetic Opioids
- WPRI: Novel Synthetic Opioids Detected in RI’s Illicit Drug Supply
- Google Search: Nitazenes
- GoLocalProv: Rhode Island Opioid Overdoses Increasing
- Google Scholar: Nitazenes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid
- Google News: Synthetic Opioids
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
