Article Out Loud – Synthetic Opioids: An Explainer for First Responders

This is an article by William “Bill” Loucks, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, July 1, 2026. Fentanyl deaths have been declining, but far more potent substances, including nitazenes and novel psychoactive substances, are expanding in the illicit drug supply, raising overdose and accidental-exposure risks. Since these emerging drugs are harder to identify and more difficult to reverse, learn how first responders should understand what they are dealing with and why they should always take precautions. Now to the featured article.