The Unharm community is calling for urgent government action to prevent a deadly synthetic opioid crisis in Australia. We’re pushing the NSW government to implement a robust Synthetic Opioids Preparedness Plan to address the growing threat of nitazenes and other potent synthetic drugs.

The nitazene threat: why urgent action is needed

Nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids, are emerging as a significant public health risk in Australia. These substances are hundreds of times stronger than fentanyl and are causing severe overdoses and deaths. The increasing presence of nitazenes in Australia’s drug supply demands immediate attention.

Synthetic Opioids Preparedness Plan

We’re calling on the NSW government to immediately:

1. Increase public awareness: Launch a communications campaign to educate the public about the risks of synthetic opioids like nitazenes and how to respond to opioid overdoses.
2. Expand naloxone distribution: Ensure wider access to this life-saving medication, including for people who use non-opiate drugs.
3. Establish drug-checking services: Implement publicly accessible services like pill testing to identify high-risk substances and provide real-time data on drug markets.
4. Train frontline workers: Educate emergency services, healthcare providers, and other frontline workers on responding to synthetic opioid overdoses.

Longterm measures to address the nitazenes crisis

Beyond these immediate actions, we’re also advocating for:

• Development of a comprehensive NSW alcohol and other drugs strategy that addresses emerging threats like nitazenes.
• Expansion of treatment, prevention, and harm reduction services.
• Implementation of a Housing First approach to address homelessness and its associated drug-related risks.

Take action against nitazenes

1. Sign our petition demanding NSW Premier Chris Minns implement pill testing to detect nitazenes and other dangerous substances.
2. Share information about nitazenes risks on social media and with your networks.
3. Contact your local MP to express support for urgent action on synthetic opioids, including nitazenes.

Together, we can prevent a synthetic opioid crisis and save lives. Join us in building a more compassionate and effective approach to drug policy in NSW that addresses the nitazenes threat head-on.