Dr. Trautman Explains: What Are the Most Dangerous Illegal Drugs?

In the United States, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 6.5% percent of the populated aged 12 and older—61.2 million people—used illicit drugs in 2021 and, of those, more than 9.2 million people misused opioids.¹ In that same year, 106,000 people died from a drug overdose.²

Substance misuse and addiction affect every corner of America, taking a heavy toll on families, friends, and communities across the nation. The illicit drug landscape remains shrouded in misinformation and stigma. Yet, understanding the nature and effects of these powerful substances is crucial for harm reduction and individual safety and well-being. In this blog, we’ll go over the most dangerous illegal drugs and emerging drug threats.

What Are the Most Dangerous Illegal Drugs?

Any drug has the potential to be dangerous. However, certain illegal drugs are inherently more dangerous than others, like fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. American Addiction Centers’ Dr. Trautman gives a run down on some of the most dangerous illegal drugs.

Emerging Drug Threats

While the scope of the illegal drug landscape is particularly fraught with risk, there are emerging threats that are making their way into drug supplies. These drugs are incredibly dangerous and pose a serious threat.

Xylazine (tranq dope). This potent veterinary sedative has not been approved for use in humans. However, illegal drug manufacturers have been adding it to supplies of heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. Xylazine has a range of potentially deadly effects, including sedation, difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, necrosis, and death.

Furthermore, because xylazine is not an opioid it is not responsive to naloxone, the overdose reversal drug. Individuals who use illegal opioids cut with xylazine are at an increased risk of fatal overdose.

Isotonitazene (nitazene or ISO). Isotonitazene is a synthetic opioid more potent than heroin and morphine. Its potency is similar to fentanyl which means that unsuspecting users may fall victim to a deadly overdose. As more focus and awareness is brought to the fentanyl crisis, IMFs are turning to other potent narcotics, like ISO, to boost profits.

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