What is a novel opioid?
The opioid crisis has been evolving for decades, but in recent years, a new and increasingly dangerous threat has emerged: new synthetic opioids. These laboratory-made substances have become a significant contributor to overdose deaths across the United States and around the world.
Since the early 2010s, synthetic opioids have become the primary driver of opioid-related overdose deaths. The numbers tell a stark story. In 2020, there were 68,630 deaths related to opioids. Out of these, 56,516 involved synthetic opioids, according to the National Library of Medicine.
This shift has coincided with a decrease in the use of other illicit opioids such as heroin, as synthetic alternatives flood the drug supply with unprecedented availability and devastating consequences.
What makes these substances particularly alarming is their discrete integration into the broader drug market. New synthetic opioids now appear as adulterants in preparations of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit prescription pills. Users who believe they’re taking one substance may unknowingly consume synthetic opioids, creating a Russian roulette scenario where any drug use carries the risk of fatal overdose.
In this blog by MAT Care Clinics, we explore what new synthetic opioids are, how they differ from traditional opioids, and what makes them particularly dangerous. We will also discuss what we can do to address this alarming trend.
What Are New Synthetic Opioids?
New synthetic opioids represent a category of laboratory-manufactured substances designed to mimic or enhance the effects of traditional opioids. Unlike naturally derived opioids such as morphine or semi-synthetic ones like heroin, these compounds are entirely artificial creations that can be produced without conventional drug cultivation or processing.
The term “new” describes the recent emergence of these substances in illegal drug markets, even though many were created decades ago for legitimate research purposes. According to research, the number of synthetic opioids has exploded from just 14 identified substances in 2015 to 88 in 2020, and 126 by 2023.
Some of the most well-known synthetic opioids include:
- Fentanyl: Originally developed for pain management in cancer patients, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- Fentanyl analogs: Substances chemically similar to fentanyl but with slight modifications. Examples include carfentanil, acetylfentanyl, and furanylfentanyl.
- Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs): A broader category that includes recently developed compounds with opioid-like effects. These substances are often not approved for medical use and may not be detectable on standard drug screens.
How Are Synthetic Opioids Different from Traditional Opioids?
While traditional opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin have long associations with misuse and overdose, new synthetic opioids differ in several critical ways:
- Increased Potency: Many NSOs are dozens or even hundreds of times more potent than morphine. For example, carfentanil is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, according to the DEA.
- Rapid Onset: Some NSOs act more quickly in the body, increasing the risk of sudden overdose.
- Illicit Manufacturing: Many new synthetic opioids are made illegally and sold on the black market, often mixed with other substances like cocaine or heroin.
- Lack of Regulation: New analogs frequently appear before laws can catch up, allowing distribution before bans are in place.
These differences make NSOs particularly dangerous and challenging to control.
Are Synthetic Opioids on the Rise?
Yes. According to the CDC, synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the U.S. In 2023, over 70% of opioid-related deaths involved synthetic opioids.
This alarming trend is supported by data in this review, which highlights the explosion of fentanyl analogs entering illegal drug markets. Users may not even know they are consuming these substances, as they are often cut into other drugs to increase potency and profit.
Key Challenges of New Synthetic Opioids
The rise of new synthetic opioids presents unique challenges, including:
- Detection: Many NSOs don’t appear on standard toxicology screens, making diagnosis and treatment difficult.
- Treatment Resistance: Their potency may require higher or repeated doses of Naloxone during overdose reversal.
- Law Enforcement Lag: Constant chemical modification means new drugs emerge faster than they can be scheduled or controlled.
- Public Awareness: Many users and even some providers are unaware of the risks associated with these substances.
Treating Synthetic Opioid Addiction with Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) remains the gold standard for opioid addiction, including those involving synthetic opioids. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
At MAT Care Clinics, we offer:
1. Buprenorphine (Suboxone): A partial opioid agonist that eases withdrawal without producing euphoria.
2. Sublocade: A monthly extended-release injection of buprenorphine to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
3. Naltrexone (Vivitrol): An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids, making it a good option for those in recovery who want to avoid relapse.
These treatments have been proven effective in helping individuals regain control of their lives and reduce the risk of relapse.
Hope and Healing with MAT Care Clinics Can Help
At MAT Care Clinics, we understand the evolving nature of the opioid epidemic and are committed to helping individuals and families navigate recovery. Our comprehensive services include:
- Clinical assessment
- Personalized MAT programs
- Long-term recovery planning
If you or someone you love is struggling with synthetic opioid use, there is hope. Reach out today at (833) 622-0628 or schedule a free consultation online.
Begin the journey toward lasting recovery—with compassionate care and evidence-based treatment each step of the way.
