Nitazenes in wastewater with Richard Bade

Nitazenes in wastewater with Richard Bade

Ever wondered how scientists detect drug use within a community? In this episode of Addiction Audio, Dr Elle Wadsworth chats with Dr Richard Bade from the University of Queensland about his groundbreaking research on identifying nitazenes through wastewater analysis. Nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids, have been increasingly found in illicit drugs, raising concerns worldwide. Richard explains the fascinating process of wastewater analysis, likening it to a community-wide health check-up.

He shares surprising findings from a two-year study across 22 countries, revealing high levels of nitazenes in the US and Australia. The discussion dives into the benefits and challenges of using wastewater to monitor drug trends, and how these insights could shape future policies and practices. Dr Bade also touches on the unexpected spikes in nitazene levels and the potential reasons behind them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the innovative ways researchers are tackling the drug crisis. Tune in to learn how a community's sewage can provide a window into its public health and why this method might be key to addressing future drug threats.