Isotonitazene is a synthetic opioid about 20 times stronger than fentanyl. Overdoses tied to it keep rising in the US. Most overdose deaths now involve synthetic opioids. Illegal makers keep turning out new ones like this because they are stronger and cheaper to make.
Summary: Opioid overdose deaths are rising in the US. Most of these deaths come from synthetic opioid overdose and opiate abuse. These drugs are far stronger than common street drugs like heroin. For example, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin. In recent years, overdoses from a new opioid called Isotonitazene have been rising. It is 20 times stronger than fentanyl.
Illegal drug makers keep getting smarter. They keep coming up with new drugs that are strong and cheap to make. Drug companies made most synthetic opioids to help patients. Sadly, many of these drugs are now abused. The worry is simple: synthetic opioids are far stronger than natural ones.
Take fentanyl. It is a legal opioid that doctors prescribe for certain medical problems. It is also a common street drug, because it is 50 times stronger than heroin. But more strength means a significantly higher risk of overdose. Now a drug 20 times stronger than fentanyl appears to be on the street. You do not need to be an expert to see the danger. This drug is isotonitazene, often just called ISO. It is new, and it has already flooded the market. Its rise has been explosive, and that is a real problem.
It first showed up in the illegal drug market in 2019. In 2021, The Washington Post reported an estimated close to 500 overdoses in the District of Columbia over 12 months. That rise is alarming. CDC data show that more than 75% of overdose deaths come from synthetic opioids. Opioid addiction treatment is key to tackling this problem.
ISO spread so fast that the DEA had to issue a special warning about it. The drug is new, but the pattern is old. Illegal drug makers always hunt for drugs that are new, easy to make, and strong. That is how they make the most money. New drugs help them in another way too. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies do not know about the drug yet. So the risk of getting caught is lower, and the risk of going to court is lower still.
The law cannot charge someone for having a drug that is not on the list of illegal drugs. Drug dealers know the agencies will catch up fast. They also know they can make a lot of money in a short time. The DEA now knows Isotonitazene well, but spotting the drug is still hard. Agencies still have no rapid tests for it. Compare that with fentanyl. The DEA and other agencies know how to spot fentanyl. They also have rapid test strips to confirm it. Isotonitazene is different, so it is still hard to detect.
Researchers say anyone can now buy many chemicals online labeled “not for human consumption.” Many companies sell these chemicals for science research. But some illegal drug makers get hold of them and learn to make new drugs from them. That is how new drugs reach the street. The safest choice is to avoid drugs altogether. For people with a substance abuse disorder, avoid new drugs above all. They carry a much greater threat.
Where can I get help for opioid addiction?
Addictionology Center offers opioid addiction treatment built around each patient’s condition and medical history. Our Telemedicine Addiction treatment program brings full care to you at home. Schedule an appointment today to talk with our experts.
Frequently asked questions
What is isotonitazene?
Isotonitazene, often called ISO, is a synthetic opioid. It first showed up in the illegal drug market in 2019. It is about 20 times stronger than fentanyl. It has spread fast. In 2021 The Washington Post reported an estimated close to 500 overdoses in the District of Columbia over 12 months. The DEA also issued a special warning about the drug.
Is isotonitazene stronger than fentanyl?
Yes. Isotonitazene is about 20 times stronger than fentanyl. Fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin. More strength means a much higher risk of overdose. Synthetic opioids already cause most overdose deaths. CDC data show more than 75% of overdose deaths come from synthetic opioids.
Is there a drug test for isotonitazene?
Not a rapid one. Agencies have rapid test strips to confirm fentanyl. There are no rapid tests for isotonitazene. So spotting it is still hard, even though the DEA knows the drug well. If you live with a substance use disorder, that is one more reason to avoid new drugs. They carry a much greater threat.
Why do new opioids like isotonitazene keep appearing?
Illegal drug makers want drugs that are new, easy to make, and strong. That is how they make the most money. A new drug is not yet on the list of illegal drugs. Until agencies catch up, the law cannot charge someone for having it. Some makers buy chemicals sold online as not for human consumption. Then they learn to turn them into new drugs.
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