Fentanyl & Nitazene: Opioid crisis hits Berlin with full force
Yesterday, July 21, 2025, the International Day of Remembrance for Deceased Drug Users was observed in around 100 cities worldwide to commemorate those who died as a result of the use of illegal substances. In Berlin, the commemoration was marked by mourning, but also by urgent demands for better aid measures.
Despite a comprehensive help system with drug consumption rooms, mobile services and a unique drug checking service in Germany, Berlin set a sad record in 2024 with 294 drug-related deaths. The increasing use of crack cocaine in public spaces in particular poses major challenges for the help system, as the psychological, physical and social consequences for those affected are serious.
Another problem is the contamination of heroin with highly dangerous synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes, which increases the risk of fatal overdoses. Experts are therefore calling for nationwide substance analysis directly in drug consumption rooms in order to warn users against consumption. There are also calls for the decriminalization of so-called micro-trafficking in order to break the cycle of procurement, consumption and criminalization and facilitate access to help.
The Berlin Action Alliance, supported by Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck and Health Senator Ina Czyborra, called for decisive action on July 21 at 2 p.m. on Oranienplatz. The aim is to save lives and improve protection for drug users in the long term.
Read also:
New blood test detects fentanyl in record time – MedLabPortal
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Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided in favor of better readability.
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