Nitazenes: what are they, where are they, and how should we respond?

Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids, sometimes hundreds of times more potent than heroin, increasingly adulterating unregulated drug supplies. There have been at least 180 deaths in the UK where nitazenes were detected on post-mortem toxicology examinations.

This webinar, hosted by the FPH Drugs SIG, will provide background information on nitazenes, where they’re being detected, and the international context which may be driving their proliferation. We will discuss key questions for local authorities and other agencies to consider when contingency planning for the ongoing proliferation of nitazenes and associated harms.

Speakers:

• Dean Acreman, WEDINOS (Welsh Emerging Drugs & Identification of Novel Substances Project)
• Jody Clark, Regional Drugs Strategy and Commissioning Lead (West Midlands)
• Dr Adam Holland, Co-Chair of the FPH Drugs SIG
• Dr Caroline Copeland, National Programme on Substance Use Mortality