Want to detect opioids earlier? Test sewage water.
A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been identified in at least 50 fatal drug overdoses in eastern Tennessee, and it is 10 times more potent than fentanyl. Testing sewage water could have potentially raised the alarm about this threat sooner. This method of testing could be a valuable tool in detecting opioids earlier and saving lives.
- ▪Cychlorphine is a new synthetic opioid that is 10 times more potent than fentanyl.
- ▪It has been identified in at least 50 fatal drug overdoses in eastern Tennessee.
- ▪Testing sewage water could be used to detect opioids like cychlorphine earlier.
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| Original publisher | Washington Post — Opinions |
| Canonical URL | https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/05/27/testing-sewage-water-can-help-detect-opioids-earlier/ |
| Publication time | Wed, 27 May 2026 10:45:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-27T10:52:58.845Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-27T10:53:06.967Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Shravani Durbhakula and Jeremy C. KourvelasShravani Durbhakula is an academic anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician in Nashville. Jeremy C. Kourvelas is a substance-use policy analyst in Knoxville, Tennessee.A new synthetic opioid that is 10 times more potent than fentanyl has been identified in at least 50 fatal drug overdoses in eastern Tennessee. Sadly, the mounting death toll from this drug, cychlorphine, is the main reason there is awareness of this threat. But testing sewage might have raised the alarm much sooner. CommentsPopular from OpinionsHAND CURATEDOpinionAndy BeshearThis slap in the face to rural America is a chance to turn it blueNovember 24, 2025OpinionEditorial Board‘Things happen’November 18, 2025OpinionWendy R.
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