Public Health Alert: Cychlorphine, a Highly Potent Emerging Synthetic Opioid

This public health alert from Addiction Policy Forum highlights cychlorphine, a highly potent emerging synthetic opioid detected in the unregulated drug supply in the United States, including alongside fentanyl and other substances. The resource outlines overdose warning signs and explains why common drug test strips and routine opioid screening may fail to identify exposure. It reinforces the importance of recognising symptoms, seeking emergency assistance and administering naloxone when an opioid overdose is suspected, with additional doses potentially needed. For the international substance use workforce, the alert offers a useful prompt to review overdose response training, strengthen naloxone access and monitor local early warning information, while recognising that US detections do not necessarily establish circulation in other countries.