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Our research shows that new and dangerous drugs continue to appear in the U.S. each year. In 2024 alone, 20 new substances—ranging from stimulants to opioids and sedatives—were identified for the first time.

The most serious concern remains illicit fentanyl, which is the main cause of drug overdoses. However, other powerful drugs, like nitazene analogs (a type of synthetic opioid), are also increasingly showing up but are often missed in standard drug tests.

Key findings about nitazene analogs:

• They were detected more often over time, though still less than fentanyl.
• They are usually found alongside fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Advanced lab testing is crucial for spotting these emerging threats. This information can help doctors better understand what people are using and guide care.