Synthetic opioids: The hidden dangers and how to stay safe
Drug use isn’t uncommon at university — whether it’s for fun, to cope, or to keep up. But the UK drug scene is changing, with more potent substances becoming accessible. Synthetic opioids are one example, and they can be deadly even in tiny amounts.
Written by Dr Sarah Alderson, Clinical Associate Professor from the School of Medicine, this blog looks at what synthetic opioids are, and how you can reduce the risks if you or your friends choose to take drugs.
What are synthetic opioids?
Unlike natural opioids (derived from the opium poppy), synthetic opioids are lab-made, and there are two main types: fentanyl and nitazenes.
Synthetic opioids are increasingly being found mixed into drugs like heroin, cocaine and ketamine; pills sold as MDMA and Xanax; and even in resin (hash) and illegal vapes. The result? You might not know you’re taking synthetic opioids until it’s too late.
They mimic the effects of natural opioids like morphine or codeine but can be up to 100 times stronger, so their strength makes them incredibly risky. A dose that looks small can increase the chances of overdose and be fatal, especially if you don’t know it’s there.
What are the effects?
Synthetic opioids cause pain relief, euphoria and sleepiness, but common side effects are constipation, confusion, nausea, slowed breathing and unconsciousness.
The biggest risk is respiratory depression, where your breathing slows or stops, potentially leading to brain damage. The risks are heightened due to synthetic opioids’ potency, but also if mixed with alcohol or other depressants including benzodiazepines.
How to reduce risks
There’s no safe way to use illegal drugs — but if you or your friends choose to use, here are some ways to reduce the risks:
- Know your source: Pills or powders may not be what they seem. If it’s pressed or looks homemade, it might contain something unexpected.
- Test your drugs: Subject to availability, students can get free testing strips available via LUU Advice for both nitazenes and fentanyl.
- Don’t mix: Combining opioids with alcohol or other depressants massively increases the risk of overdose.
- Never use alone: It’s always safer to use with people you trust in case of an emergency.
- Start low and go slow: Even a tiny amount can be dangerous, especially with strong opioids.
- Carry naloxone: Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and is free from many pharmacies or drug services in Leeds — no harm is done if you administer naloxone and the person doesn’t turn out to be overdosing.
- Know when to act: Signs of overdose include slow or no breathing, blue lips or fingertips, choking sounds, or unresponsiveness. If you’re worried, call 999 immediately if you’re off campus or phone University Security Services: +44(0)113 343 2222 on campus. Give naloxone if you have it and begin rescue breaths if you’re trained. Each University residence also has a member of staff trained to administer naloxone.
Where to get help
If you’re worried about your drug use, or someone else’s, support is available:
- The Student Counselling and Wellbeing team offer free, confidential support to all students at Leeds.
- Forward Leeds provides judgement-free drug and alcohol support to people in Leeds. You can get free, independent, specialist advice from them at their weekly substance and alcohol drop-in sessions in LUU — no appointment needed.
- Nightline is a confidential listening service run by students, for students.
Staying informed about drugs can save a life. Whether it’s your own or for your friends; being aware of the risks of synthetic opioids — and what to do in an emergency — really matters.
For more information on how to stay safe around drugs and where you can get help, visit the harm reduction webpage.
