Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: Adobe Stock)
We see them everywhere, from big cities to the most remote areas: these zombies wandering aimlessly, devoid of any soul. These kinds of humans, in reality dehumanized, sometimes crouch for long minutes, motionless, without a single sign of life. One of the substances responsible for these devastations, particularly among the most vulnerable individuals, is nitrazene (or protonitrazene), an extremely dangerous chemical compound making its way onto European and North American drug markets.
Last night in Montreal, in the Gay Village, an administrator of a very popular Facebook group pointed out the lack of traffic and the deserted state of Sainte-Catherine Street, after observing more than 80 people visibly under the influence of drugs over just a few blocks.
What is Nitrazene?
Nitrazene is an extremely powerful and dangerous chemical substance, belonging to the category of synthetic opioids. Originally designed for very specific medical uses, it has unfortunately found its way into the drug market, like many other medications. Its uncontrolled use causes devastating effects on the nervous system, leading to rapid addiction, erratic behaviors, and a high risk of overdose.
Nitrazene causes intense euphoria accompanied by strong sedation, but it severely depresses the respiratory system, which can lead to a fatal overdose. Prolonged use leads to rapid dependency and increased tolerance, forcing users to raise their doses to achieve the same effects, while exacerbating health risks.
The problem is that most street drugs contain ingredients even the sellers are unaware of. It only takes a few extra molecules in a pill for euphoria to turn into a coma.
What are the Warning Signs of an Overdose?
The signs of respiratory failure caused by an overdose manifest as increasingly slow and shallow breathing, sometimes interrupted by long pauses. The skin, especially around the lips and nails, may turn bluish due to the lack of oxygen. The person may also lose consciousness, become extremely pale, and stop responding to external stimuli. One might often believe a person is dead, when in fact they are in a deep coma and rapid intervention could still save their life.
Prevention and Intervention
Unfortunately, with nitrazene, like with most other opioids, including fentanyl, overdoses are frequent. According to the World Health Organization, 125,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2019. In France, 80% of overdose deaths are attributed to these substances.
In Montreal, there are sometimes between 4 and 6 deaths per week. For example, in Quebec, between July 2021 and June 2022, 490 overdose deaths were recorded, an alarming figure.
Prevention is nearly impossible, as drug users often lack the physical or mental strength to have their substances tested. They consume primarily to escape the harsh realities of the street. It is crucial to understand that this scourge does not affect millionaires, but rather the most disadvantaged and distressed individuals. So, how can we effectively intervene in such a situation?
Let’s set aside detoxifications and other social interventions that often yield no results. Just look at the number of « zombies » in our cities to understand that the drug is stronger than the will. The simplest solution is to inform ourselves about the use of naloxone, the only antidote for all opioids, and to intervene with this product as soon as someone appears to be in physical distress. Naloxone is safe and works within seconds.
But the real question remains: does the person overdosing really want to be saved? Saved to go where?