Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about the increasing number of deaths across the country caused by a dangerous designer drug known as bromazolam. This potent benzodiazepine is gaining popularity and is often mixed with illicit fentanyl, a deadly combination. Bromazolam is classified as a depressant drug that induces sedation and relaxation, but its side effects can be severe, including loss of coordination, drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
According to the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), the presence of bromazolam in toxicology cases submitted to the National Medical Services Labs has risen from 1% in 2021 to 13% in mid-2022. Attorney General Moody emphasized the urgency of understanding the dangers of bromazolam, especially when combined with fentanyl. She stated, "Please, never use an illicit substance. Just one pill can kill."
Bromazolam falls under the category of novel benzodiazepines, also known as synthetic benzodiazepines. Unlike traditional benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, novel benzodiazepines are not regulated by strict clinical guidelines. These drugs have similar depressant effects but can be more potent and unpredictable. The CFSRE reported that bromazolam accounted for only 4% of novel benzodiazepines in circulation in 2021. However, its presence skyrocketed to 73% in the first half of 2023.
The danger of bromazolam is compounded by its potential adulteration with fentanyl. The CFSRE found that 83% of bromazolam samples tested positive for fentanyl, making the drug even more potent and hazardous. Shockingly, reports suggest that naloxone, a commonly used medication to reverse opioid overdose, may be ineffective when dealing with bromazolam.
Law enforcement seizures of bromazolam were minimal from 2016 to 2018, with no more than three seizures per year nationwide. However, in 2023, that number rose significantly to 2,913. This surge in seizures reflects the rapid increase in bromazolam use across the country, leading to a rise in overdoses and deaths.
To address this growing crisis, Attorney General Moody has developed the Dose of Reality Florida website. This comprehensive resource serves as a hub for Floridians to learn about the dangers of opioid misuse, access addiction support, and discover safe methods for disposing of unused prescription drugs. For more information about Dose of Reality Florida, individuals can visit the website.
For those struggling with drug addiction, TreatmentAtlas.org provides a valuable platform to find treatment resources and seek help.
Attorney General Ashley Moody's warning about the rise in deaths from the dangerous designer drug bromazolam highlights the urgent need for public awareness and action. The increasing presence of this potent benzodiazepine, often combined with illicit fentanyl, poses a significant threat to individuals across the country. Understanding the risks and avoiding the use of illicit substances is crucial for safeguarding lives.