Fentanyl is not a problem unique too the United States. The substance is in fact also spreading in European and Italian drug dealing areas, so much so that a third degree alert was triggered in our country, with a national monitoring plan launched on 12 March to prevent poisoning and deaths. To help healthcare professionals keep up to date on a hot and constantly evolving topic such as new drugs, Consulcesi Club has created a training eBook entitled ‘New drugs: a social and health emergency’, worth 9.3 credits Ecm.
Overseas,the elected president of the United States,Donald Trump – recalls Consulcesi – has announced an awareness campaign against fentanyl,the drug responsible for 74 thousand deaths in 2023 in the USA,to inform the population about its devastating effects and has proposed drastic measures,such as imposing tariffs to crack down on illegal drug trafficking across American borders,and urged China to severely punish fentanyl traffickers,threatening additional 10% tariffs on Chinese imports if inaction. The number and variety of narcotics sold illegally continues to increase globally. Alongside traditional drugs,new psychoactive substances are constantly emerging,responsible for thousands of victims around the world because they generate forms of addiction and toxicity that are arduous to treat,sometimes impossible to cure. Among the most hazardous is fentanyl, an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, used in Italy for medical purposes as an anesthetic and in the treatment of cancer pain, but also spread illegally as a drug, often as a cutting agent for heroin. It is approximately 100 times more potent and toxic then morphine, with even more potent analogues available on the black market. Produced in illegal laboratories, fentanyl is cheap, but highly dangerous, as its binding to brain receptors makes it difficult to reverse an overdose with naloxone. It is called a ‘zombie drug’ when it is prepared with xylazine, a veterinary substance that causes serious skin lesions.
In addition to fentanyl, however, there are several new psychoactive substances (NPDs) which represent a constantly growing phenomenon, particularly worrying among young people. These synthetic molecules are designed to mimic the effects of traditional drugs such as cannabis,cocaine,ecstasy and LSD,but are continually chemically modified to circumvent regulations,making them difficult to regulate and monitor. nps can have stimulant, hallucinogenic, sedative or empathogenic effects and come in different forms, such as powders, tablets, sprays and liquids for electronic cigarettes. Their danger is high, both due to their potency and the lack of scientific knowledge on short and long-term effects.
Scientific director of the Ecm course ‘New drugs: a social and health emergency’ is maria Cristina Gori, neurologist and psychologist expert in these topics. This training course – a note describes – allows professionals to achieve an overall knowledge of the characteristics, psychophysical effects and levels of dependence and toxicity induced by traditional drugs and new psychoactive substances.Along with receiving a detailed overview of these substances, participants will be made aware of regulations and action plans, applied and carried out in Italy and at community level, to prevent and combat the phenomenon of the sale and use of these substances, and also to manage who uses it.
This course entitles you to a bonus of 0.3 CME credits for each hour completed,as it deals with a topic designated by the National Commission for Continuing Medical Education as of national interest for the three-year period 2023-2025.
How can healthcare providers effectively respond to the challenges posed by the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl?
Interview: Understanding the Threat of Fentanyl and New Psychoactive Substances with Dr. Maria Cristina Gori
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gori.As the scientific director of the Ecm course titled “New drugs: a social and health emergency”, can you provide us with an overview of the current situation regarding fentanyl and its emergence in both the United States and Europe?
Dr. Maria Cristina Gori: Thank you for having me. Fentanyl is indeed a pressing issue not only in the United States, where it has led to approximately 74,000 deaths in 2023 alone, but it is indeed also making its way into European markets, including Italy. Recent alerts have prompted a national monitoring plan to combat the spread of this potent synthetic opioid, which is often used illegally as a cutting agent for heroin. Its strength—being approximately 100 times more potent than morphine—poses a significant risk to users.
Time.news Editor: That’s alarming. What measures are being taken in Italy to address this crisis, particularly regarding public health and drug education?
dr.Maria Cristina Gori: In Italy, the national monitoring plan launched on 12 March aims to prevent overdoses and poisonings. Our training eBook, “New drugs: a social and health emergency”, is essential for healthcare professionals.It equips them with the knowledge to recognize the increasing variety of narcotics and new psychoactive substances (NPS) that are emerging. By understanding the psychophysical effects, levels of dependence, and toxicity, professionals can better manage and support users.
Time.news Editor: What can you tell us about thes new psychoactive substances you mentioned? How do they differ from conventional drugs?
Dr. Maria Cristina gori: New psychoactive substances are designed to mimic traditional drugs, like cannabis or cocaine, but they are continuously modified to evade regulation. This makes them particularly difficult to monitor. They can have various effects—stimulant, hallucinogenic, or sedative—and come in diverse forms such as powders, tablets, and even liquids for vaping. Given the potency and the limited understanding of their long-term effects, they represent a growing concern, especially among young peopel.
Time.news Editor: Globally, drug trafficking has increased in complexity.How significant is international cooperation in combating this issue, especially with respect to regulating imports from countries known for fentanyl production?
Dr. Maria Cristina Gori: International cooperation is crucial in this battle. The recent calls from the U.S. government to increase tariffs on Chinese imports if action isn’t taken against fentanyl trafficking highlight the global nature of this crisis. Countries must share intelligence, standardize regulations, and implement complete prevention strategies to combat the rampant growth of illegal drug trade.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice can you give to healthcare providers and the general public to address these issues effectively?
Dr. Maria Cristina Gori: For healthcare providers, staying informed through ongoing education, like our Ecm course, is vital. They need to recognize signs of substance use disorders and understand the implications of these emerging drugs. For the general public, increasing awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and NPS, understanding their addictive properties, and knowing the resources available for help are essential steps in combating addiction and saving lives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gori. It’s clear that the fight against fentanyl and new psychoactive substances requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, monitoring, and international collaboration. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better understand this ongoing crisis.
Dr. Maria cristina Gori: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. together, we can make strides towards reducing the impact of these hazardous substances on our communities.