Dr. Nab
@nabarund.bsky.social
Street drug scientist 💥
Univ of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US
Nabarun Dasgupta, MPH, PhD
News @ opioiddatalab.ghost.io
Bulk naloxone non-profit
RemedyAllianceFTP.org
Epidemiology
Harm Reduction
Chemistry
Data science
Assoc editor Am J Public Health
Univ of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US
Nabarun Dasgupta, MPH, PhD
News @ opioiddatalab.ghost.io
Bulk naloxone non-profit
RemedyAllianceFTP.org
Epidemiology
Harm Reduction
Chemistry
Data science
Assoc editor Am J Public Health
Pinned
Dr. Nab
@nabarund.bsky.social
· Feb 12
New analysis of overdose mortality, which has been dropping in most states since 2022-23. Surprisingly, 19 states are now near or below 2020 baseline. But, we still have a lot to do because too many people we love are still being harmed and dying.
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
Reposted by Dr. Nab
My friend and colleague @nabarund.bsky.social !!!! www.npr.org/2025/10/08/n...
Scientist on front lines of overdose crisis receives MacArthur 'genius' award
Nabarun Dasgupta was recognized with a MacArthur "genius" award for work studying the deadly overdose crisis. He's also a front-line organizer, helping people survive.
www.npr.org
October 9, 2025 at 1:36 AM
My friend and colleague @nabarund.bsky.social !!!! www.npr.org/2025/10/08/n...
Sometime next week (second full week of May), CDC will publish 2024 predicted overdose numbers. Now is the time to get ready to tell your story. This guide will help with talking points.
We expect a -27% drop (give or take 1.1%).
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/od-data-own-...
We expect a -27% drop (give or take 1.1%).
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/od-data-own-...
OD Data: Own Your Impact
What to expect from 2024 CDC overdose mortality data. AI prompt and talking points for advocacy
opioiddatalab.ghost.io
May 9, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Sometime next week (second full week of May), CDC will publish 2024 predicted overdose numbers. Now is the time to get ready to tell your story. This guide will help with talking points.
We expect a -27% drop (give or take 1.1%).
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/od-data-own-...
We expect a -27% drop (give or take 1.1%).
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/od-data-own-...
Reposted by Dr. Nab
May 4, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Street Drug newsletter just dropped. Latest OD numbers, #openscience, Duterte, #harmreduction events, & more!
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/april-newsle...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/april-newsle...
April Newsletter
April newsletter from the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab. UNC Watchlist, newly detected drugs. Drug checking data for research. Job postings, drug checking training, Drug policy, archive
opioiddatalab.ghost.io
April 24, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Street Drug newsletter just dropped. Latest OD numbers, #openscience, Duterte, #harmreduction events, & more!
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/april-newsle...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/april-newsle...
OD deaths have been dropping in *every* state, for years. Fentanyl, xylazine, (dex)medetomidine are still around. We have much more to do.
www.npr.org/2025/03/07/n...
@brianmannadk.bsky.social
See the full data deep dive here:
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
www.npr.org/2025/03/07/n...
@brianmannadk.bsky.social
See the full data deep dive here:
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
Deadliest phase of fentanyl crisis eases, as all states see recovery
In some parts of the U.S., drug deaths have plunged to levels not seen since the fentanyl crisis exploded. Addiction experts say communities still face big challenges.
www.npr.org
March 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
OD deaths have been dropping in *every* state, for years. Fentanyl, xylazine, (dex)medetomidine are still around. We have much more to do.
www.npr.org/2025/03/07/n...
@brianmannadk.bsky.social
See the full data deep dive here:
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
www.npr.org/2025/03/07/n...
@brianmannadk.bsky.social
See the full data deep dive here:
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
Reposted by Dr. Nab
I made this video about what is really going on with these “fentanyl exposure” stories because I got tired of explaining the same thing over and over: www.youtube.com/watch?v=215h...
The Myth(s) of Fentanyl Exposure
YouTube video by Ryan Marino, MD
www.youtube.com
February 13, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I made this video about what is really going on with these “fentanyl exposure” stories because I got tired of explaining the same thing over and over: www.youtube.com/watch?v=215h...
Reposted by Dr. Nab
Really looking forward to kicking off our four-part spring series, "New Drugs and New Markets."
Join us on March 13th 3-5pm EST for our Keynote with @nabarund.bsky.social and our first panel discussion!
Please share widely and register here: bit.ly/NewDrugs1
Join us on March 13th 3-5pm EST for our Keynote with @nabarund.bsky.social and our first panel discussion!
Please share widely and register here: bit.ly/NewDrugs1
February 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Really looking forward to kicking off our four-part spring series, "New Drugs and New Markets."
Join us on March 13th 3-5pm EST for our Keynote with @nabarund.bsky.social and our first panel discussion!
Please share widely and register here: bit.ly/NewDrugs1
Join us on March 13th 3-5pm EST for our Keynote with @nabarund.bsky.social and our first panel discussion!
Please share widely and register here: bit.ly/NewDrugs1
Reposted by Dr. Nab
As Canada installs a fentanyl czar, it is also:
-closing safe drug consumption sites
-gutting drug decriminalization
-forcing drug users into treatment
-restricting safe supply
With Trudeau leaving, I wrote about the end of progressive drug policy: hatchetmedia.substack.com/p/manisha-kr...
-closing safe drug consumption sites
-gutting drug decriminalization
-forcing drug users into treatment
-restricting safe supply
With Trudeau leaving, I wrote about the end of progressive drug policy: hatchetmedia.substack.com/p/manisha-kr...
Manisha Krishnan: A Fentanyl Czar and the End of Progressive Drug Policy
Like previous crackdowns, this will likely make the crisis worse
hatchetmedia.substack.com
February 26, 2025 at 4:35 PM
As Canada installs a fentanyl czar, it is also:
-closing safe drug consumption sites
-gutting drug decriminalization
-forcing drug users into treatment
-restricting safe supply
With Trudeau leaving, I wrote about the end of progressive drug policy: hatchetmedia.substack.com/p/manisha-kr...
-closing safe drug consumption sites
-gutting drug decriminalization
-forcing drug users into treatment
-restricting safe supply
With Trudeau leaving, I wrote about the end of progressive drug policy: hatchetmedia.substack.com/p/manisha-kr...
Reposted by Dr. Nab
More coverage this AM on the puzzling arrival of industrial chemical BTMPS in the illicit fentanyl supply
And a timely reminder of the value of public health research
With quotes from @chelsealshover.bsky.social @morgangodvin.bsky.social @nabarund.bsky.social
1/2
www.cnn.com/2025/02/12/h...
And a timely reminder of the value of public health research
With quotes from @chelsealshover.bsky.social @morgangodvin.bsky.social @nabarund.bsky.social
1/2
www.cnn.com/2025/02/12/h...
‘One of the larger mysteries I’ve ever seen’: Industrial chemical found in illicit fentanyl | CNN
The drug supply is constantly evolving, and some experts suggest that a “fourth wave” of the opioid epidemic is underway, in which illicit fentanyl is more frequently mixed with other drugs.
www.cnn.com
February 12, 2025 at 5:38 PM
More coverage this AM on the puzzling arrival of industrial chemical BTMPS in the illicit fentanyl supply
And a timely reminder of the value of public health research
With quotes from @chelsealshover.bsky.social @morgangodvin.bsky.social @nabarund.bsky.social
1/2
www.cnn.com/2025/02/12/h...
And a timely reminder of the value of public health research
With quotes from @chelsealshover.bsky.social @morgangodvin.bsky.social @nabarund.bsky.social
1/2
www.cnn.com/2025/02/12/h...
New analysis of overdose mortality, which has been dropping in most states since 2022-23. Surprisingly, 19 states are now near or below 2020 baseline. But, we still have a lot to do because too many people we love are still being harmed and dying.
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
February 12, 2025 at 12:26 PM
New analysis of overdose mortality, which has been dropping in most states since 2022-23. Surprisingly, 19 states are now near or below 2020 baseline. But, we still have a lot to do because too many people we love are still being harmed and dying.
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/peak-od-phen...
Newly detected drugs, BTMPS receptors, Captagon, fentanyl and coke in marine animals, highdose naloxone, Remedy Alliance data, application for people with lived experience
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/december-new...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/december-new...
UNC Street Drug Lab December 2024 Newsletter
UNC Watchlist, newly detected drugs, BTMPS receptors, Captagon, fentanyl and coke in marine animals, expert statement on highdose naloxone, data from Remedy Alliance, and an application deadline for p...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io
December 23, 2024 at 3:15 PM
Newly detected drugs, BTMPS receptors, Captagon, fentanyl and coke in marine animals, highdose naloxone, Remedy Alliance data, application for people with lived experience
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/december-new...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/december-new...
Reposted by Dr. Nab
One of my favorite faculty responsibilities is co-chairing the annual Texas Substance Use Symposium. With rock star keynotes and workshops from incredible folks like @nabarund.bsky.social, there is something for everyone at #TxSUS. Register today at TxSUS.org!
December 20, 2024 at 10:40 PM
One of my favorite faculty responsibilities is co-chairing the annual Texas Substance Use Symposium. With rock star keynotes and workshops from incredible folks like @nabarund.bsky.social, there is something for everyone at #TxSUS. Register today at TxSUS.org!
Here are the 9 new-to-us substances we saw in unregulated street drugs last month. Full investigations at https://opioiddatalab.ghost.io/recent-drugs-nov-24/
December 20, 2024 at 6:35 PM
Here are the 9 new-to-us substances we saw in unregulated street drugs last month. Full investigations at https://opioiddatalab.ghost.io/recent-drugs-nov-24/
Speechless outrage. Welcome to late stage opioid “crisis” gorging on itself to fabricate problems.
www.themarshallproject.org/2024/12/11/p...
www.themarshallproject.org/2024/12/11/p...
Hospitals Gave Them Meds During Childbirth. Why Did Patients Get In Trouble?
Mothers were reported after they were given medications used routinely for pain or in epidurals, to reduce anxiety or to manage blood pressure during cesarean sections.
www.themarshallproject.org
December 19, 2024 at 2:59 AM
Speechless outrage. Welcome to late stage opioid “crisis” gorging on itself to fabricate problems.
www.themarshallproject.org/2024/12/11/p...
www.themarshallproject.org/2024/12/11/p...
Meet the only model that predicted the current drop in overdose deaths
The model that predicted the current overdose drop
Meet the model that predicted the current drop in overdose deaths. 📉 Modeling the evolution of the US opioid crisis for national policy development
buff.ly
December 11, 2024 at 8:24 PM
Meet the only model that predicted the current drop in overdose deaths
Appreciated these anachronistic pharma ads for pain medications from the early 2000s.
https://buff.ly/414cj4q
From Ben Westhoff via the Drugs + Hip-Hop substack
https://buff.ly/414cj4q
From Ben Westhoff via the Drugs + Hip-Hop substack
Slideshow: Opioid Advertisements From the Height Of the Crisis
The opioid crisis didn’t happen by accident.
buff.ly
December 10, 2024 at 9:12 AM
Appreciated these anachronistic pharma ads for pain medications from the early 2000s.
https://buff.ly/414cj4q
From Ben Westhoff via the Drugs + Hip-Hop substack
https://buff.ly/414cj4q
From Ben Westhoff via the Drugs + Hip-Hop substack
Reposted by Dr. Nab
@nabarund.bsky.social posted a good explainer about various possible hypotheses of what's driving this, but my take home is that the jury is still out.
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/are-overdose...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/are-overdose...
Are overdoses down and why?
📣This blog post was covered by National Public Radio (NPR) on September 18, 2024.
By: Nabarun Dasgupta, Colin Miller, Adams Sibley
A good analogy is inflation: It's hard to trust official numbers un...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io
December 5, 2024 at 4:45 PM
@nabarund.bsky.social posted a good explainer about various possible hypotheses of what's driving this, but my take home is that the jury is still out.
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/are-overdose...
opioiddatalab.ghost.io/are-overdose...
Here are the #nitazenes we have seen recently at the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab.
The live report data tracker is updated every night https://buff.ly/3CVpRoQ if you want to see the latest
The live report data tracker is updated every night https://buff.ly/3CVpRoQ if you want to see the latest
December 5, 2024 at 7:17 AM
Here are the #nitazenes we have seen recently at the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab.
The live report data tracker is updated every night https://buff.ly/3CVpRoQ if you want to see the latest
The live report data tracker is updated every night https://buff.ly/3CVpRoQ if you want to see the latest
Drug checking behind the scenes! Here's what happens when you run so many dope samples on your GCMS that you wear out the ionization source
https://buff.ly/4fKhbAq
#massspec #chemistry #drugchecking
https://buff.ly/4fKhbAq
#massspec #chemistry #drugchecking
December 3, 2024 at 7:39 AM
Drug checking behind the scenes! Here's what happens when you run so many dope samples on your GCMS that you wear out the ionization source
https://buff.ly/4fKhbAq
#massspec #chemistry #drugchecking
https://buff.ly/4fKhbAq
#massspec #chemistry #drugchecking
The fentanyl epidemic in North America and the global reach of synthetic opioids
The fentanyl epidemic in North America and the global reach of synthetic opioids
On December 4, join Brookings for an event launching the results of a year-long project on synthetic opioids in the United States and abroad.
buff.ly
December 3, 2024 at 6:28 AM
The fentanyl epidemic in North America and the global reach of synthetic opioids
Reposted by Dr. Nab
more harm, less harm reduction: why the fall in overdose deaths is not being seen in Black, Brown and American Indian communities, my latest www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/o... special thanks to @rnbluthenthal.bsky.social @nabarund.bsky.social & Jon Zibbell & Dan Ciccarone
Opinion | Why Drug Overdose Deaths Are Dropping for Some, Rising for Others
Drug overdose deaths are finally declining. But it’s going to take work to keep this trend going.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2024 at 2:46 PM
more harm, less harm reduction: why the fall in overdose deaths is not being seen in Black, Brown and American Indian communities, my latest www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/o... special thanks to @rnbluthenthal.bsky.social @nabarund.bsky.social & Jon Zibbell & Dan Ciccarone
Is Prozac the only anti-depressant that can be found in street drugs?
Nope. Here's what we found in a sample from October, and our take:
Nope. Here's what we found in a sample from October, and our take:
UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab: November 2024 Newsletter
Newly detected substances, BTMPS mystery solved, Watchlist, opioid settlement funding, Black Harm Reduction Network
buff.ly
December 2, 2024 at 11:26 AM
Is Prozac the only anti-depressant that can be found in street drugs?
Nope. Here's what we found in a sample from October, and our take:
Nope. Here's what we found in a sample from October, and our take:
Why do US chemists use different names for street drugs than the rest of the world?
Here's 3 examples from new detections in October:
N-desalkylflurazepam = norfludiazepam
etodesnitazene = etazene
phenazolam = clobromazolam
Explanation in our newsletter
Here's 3 examples from new detections in October:
N-desalkylflurazepam = norfludiazepam
etodesnitazene = etazene
phenazolam = clobromazolam
Explanation in our newsletter
UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab: November 2024 Newsletter
Newly detected substances, BTMPS mystery solved, Watchlist, opioid settlement funding, Black Harm Reduction Network
buff.ly
November 27, 2024 at 3:07 PM
Why do US chemists use different names for street drugs than the rest of the world?
Here's 3 examples from new detections in October:
N-desalkylflurazepam = norfludiazepam
etodesnitazene = etazene
phenazolam = clobromazolam
Explanation in our newsletter
Here's 3 examples from new detections in October:
N-desalkylflurazepam = norfludiazepam
etodesnitazene = etazene
phenazolam = clobromazolam
Explanation in our newsletter
Oooh, this is come good mystery solving by the #drugchecking community, figuring out why the FTIR spectra for #BTMPS wasn't aligning with the street drug samples. This is harm reduction science in action!
BTMPS Explainer: The Effect of Protonation
Vikrant Jandev and Marya Lieberman, UND Blake Joachim (Outside In) and Cole Altomare-Jarczyk and Ivy Sabal (MADDS) What’s up with the IR spectrum of BTMPS? How come the literature spectrum doesn’t…
buff.ly
November 27, 2024 at 11:26 AM
Oooh, this is come good mystery solving by the #drugchecking community, figuring out why the FTIR spectra for #BTMPS wasn't aligning with the street drug samples. This is harm reduction science in action!
This is a great upcoming NC event to meet advocates who have been helping people with chronic pain survive in the era of forced tapers and abrupt discontinuations of medications.
N.C. Meet-and-Greet
The Doctor Patient Forum's next in-person Meet, Greet, and Eat! Claudia Merandi will give the following presentation:
buff.ly
November 26, 2024 at 9:20 PM
This is a great upcoming NC event to meet advocates who have been helping people with chronic pain survive in the era of forced tapers and abrupt discontinuations of medications.