Synthetic Drugs: A Rising Threat Stronger than Heroin

Synthetic drugs, particularly research chemicals, have increasingly been linked to a growing number of fatalities across Germany. Although the issue may seem minor at present, there are indications that it could escalate rapidly.

Recent reports from various regions highlight alarming cases of overdose deaths associated with these chemicals. In Bavaria alone, the state's criminal office reported at least seven deaths in just six months, and the situation is worsening as new cases emerge.

But what are research chemicals? These substances are diverse synthetic compounds with psychoactive effects, often misused as recreational drugs. They can be easily purchased online and are typically marketed in a way that obscures their potent effects, as noted by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).

Currently, the greatest concern among health officials revolves around a category of synthetic opioids known as nitazenes. These substances have been found to be significantly more powerful than heroin, raising alarms about their increasing prevalence. The European Drug Agency (EUDA) is currently monitoring over 1,000 new psychoactive substances, with nearly half of the 50 new substances reported in 2024 being nitazenes.

Experts are cautious about the development of these drugs. The BKA has noted a troubling rise in the circulation of dangerous synthetic opioids, which poses a serious risk of overdoses. The effective dosage of these opioids is dangerously close to the lethal threshold, leading to respiratory failure and death in overdose cases.

Consumption of these substances seems to be largely confined to a small, adventurous demographic of young individuals who order these drugs online. According to the BKA, about 1.3% of adults under 59 years and 0.1% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 have reported using new psychoactive substances. Furthermore, there have been instances of nitazenes being mixed into counterfeit medications, which can also endanger users.

With the potential for these substances to be mixed with other drugs, the risks are compounded. The BKA has noted that many deaths attributed to these substances involved a combination of different drugs, though specific details were not disclosed.

Comparatively, the statistics may suggest that the issue is manageable at this point. Among the 2,227 drug-related fatalities in Germany in 2023, only 90 involved new psychoactive substances, indicating a lower incidence than traditional drugs. However, the emergence of synthetic opioids raises concerns that the situation could worsen, especially with the potential for a heroin shortage linked to geopolitical issues.

In response, authorities are implementing various measures to combat the rise of these dangerous drugs. Campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the risks of synthetic substances have been launched, and Germany's New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG) has been created to regulate these chemicals more effectively.

Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of the NpSG is debated, as new substances frequently emerge that evade current regulations. The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has identified synthetic drugs as an urgent issue, highlighting the challenges faced by regulatory and health agencies in addressing this growing crisis.