Аннотация:
Introduction. The historical aspects of opiates and opioids, their use in medicine and for recreational purposes are considered.
Purpose. To discuss the issues of isolation of sleeping poppies alkaloids, synthesis of semi-synthetic and synthetic opioids, the scale of their illicit trafficking.
Methods. The information was obtained by studying the databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, RSCI, as well as official documents of the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC).
Results. Materials on the dynamics of the development of the problem of opiates and opioids, their appearance in illicit trafficking are presented. The consequences of the introduction of synthetic opioids from the fentanyl group and non-fentanyl drugs into the market have been an increase in the number of acute poisoning, including fatal ones.
Conclusion. The current situation can be called an opioid crisis (epidemic). Negative trends intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation cannot be expected to improve in the near future.
Ключевые слова:
opiates, opioids, history, opioid crisis.