The opioid crisis in the United States has exposed the dangers associated with the use of these substances. In Europe, although the context is different, the 2024 European Drugs Report highlights an increase in the consumption of synthetic opioids. These powerful painkillers can quickly become addictive and pose serious risks. The European Union is strengthening its efforts to prevent the harm associated with these products and protect populations.
Opioids: powerful but addictive substances
Opioids, whether natural or synthetic, work by attaching to specific receptors in the brain. They thus block the painful perception, while inducing a feeling of relief, even euphoria. These effects are very useful in anesthesia or against pain. But they can lead to misuse and rapid dependence.
The addictive potential
- Tolerance : Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the substance, requiring higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.
- Addiction : repeated use, outside of a medical setting, can lead to dependence, characterized by a compulsive need to consume despite the negative consequences.
- Withdrawal syndrome : Suddenly stopping opioids can cause intense symptoms, such as muscle pain, nausea, or agitation.
The risk of opioid overdose: a major issue
Synthetic opioids pose a major risk of overdose due to their potency. Fentanyl, for example, is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, while some nitazenes, such as isotonitazene, can be up to 500 times stronger. A tiny amount is enough to cause respiratory depression, the main cause of death from overdose.
Aggravating factors
- Uncertain composition : unlike prescribed opioids, those present on the drug market do not benefit from any control.
- Concentration variable : Products sold outside the medical circuit may contain very unequal doses, increasing the risk of unintentional excessive intake.
- Hazardous mixtures : Illicit substances can be cut with other molecules, such as benzodiazepines (benzo-dope) or xylazine (tranq-dope), amplifying their toxicity.
The case of nitazenes
Since 2019, nitazenes, very powerful synthetic opioids, have been reported in 20 European countries. In 2023, numerous cases of poisoning linked to these substances were reported in France and Ireland, where they were sometimes sold like heroin.
To know! Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, can be sold in the form of falsified tablets imitating authorized drugs. This can mislead consumers and increase the risk of accidental poisoning.
The opioid situation in Europe in 2024
Synthetic opioids currently occupy a limited place on the drug market in Europe, but their impact is increasing. Consumption of these highly potent substances accounts for a large portion of the mortality associated with narcotics use. In 2022, 163 deaths linked to fentanyl and its derivatives were recorded in Europe, mainly in the Baltic countries. By 2023, synthetic opioids have been identified in at least 16 EU member states. That same year, seven new molecules, including six from the nitazene class, were identified.
Faced with these challenges, Europe is deploying several measures to protect populations:
- Reinforced surveillance : the EU early warning system makes it possible to quickly detect the appearance of new dangerous substances and to warn as quickly as possible in the event of danger.
- Distribution of naloxone : this antidote, which blocks the effects of opioids during an overdose, is increasingly available from associations and accessible to consumers.
- Awareness campaigns : prevention operations aim to inform the public about the risks of opioids, particularly those sold outside legal channels.
The consumption of synthetic opioids represents a growing problem in Europe. While their role in medicine remains essential, their addictive potential and the dangers associated with their misuse require increased vigilance. Thanks to prevention tools, better regulation and increased awareness, Europe is striving to limit their impact on public health and reduce the risks for people affected by this addiction.
Sources
– European Drugs Report 2024. www.euda.europa.eu. Accessed November 18, 2024.
– Heroin and other opioids: 2024 report. www.euda.europa.eu. Accessed November 18, 2024.
– ANSM: Alert on synthetic opioids. ansm.sante.fr. Accessed November 18, 2024.
