Dangerous Opioid Called ISO Is Becoming More Common

Law enforcement agencies across the East Coast are now discovering that a new opioid drug, isotonitazene, or ISO, has become a new cause of overdoses. It has been found in Florida, North and South Carolina, Washington DC, and even New York. The drug an extremely potent opioid that has never been produced. It’s known to be at least 20 times more potent than fentanyl, one of the drugs that is best known for causing overdose deaths in the past few years during the opioid epidemic.

What Is ISO?

Isotonitazene, or ISO, is an opioid that can be taken by pill, snorted, or smoked. It is capable of absorbing through the skin as well. ISO is dangerous and has never been manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. The drug is believed to originate in China, where there are fewer regulations about narcotic medications.

ISO has been found in drug seizures and has been identified through morgues as overdoses. In Florida, they have found that a few overdoses they believed were caused by fentanyl were recently actually ISO. “It is concerning because people are always looking for that stronger high,” said Amanda Hunter, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Manager.

Dangers Of ISO

While law enforcement says that ISO is more potent than fentanyl, for many opioid users, it’s not clear how powerful the drug will be. Because it is illicit, some batches may be more potent than others or contain other contaminants.

Fentanyl is a drug that is used for people who are critically ill. Some doctors use it to put people to sleep for surgery. ISO was never approved for medical use and may have unknown dangers even for short-term use.

Opioids are highly addictive, and addiction can be progressive, requiring more of the drug to get the same effects. There is no known safe dosage for ISO, and every time a person uses it, they risk overdose. Usually, medical professionals must use multiple cans of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, to help revive an overdose victim.

Getting Help for Opioid Addiction

Do you or somebody you love need help with opioid use? Opioid use disorder is a treatable disease. Medication-Assisted Treatment is considered the gold standard for treating opioid addiction. It can be done discreetly and help you begin to reclaim your life. Get in touch with us at 910-295-7646 to learn more about our services.