Original article by Veronica Morley, 23ABC (KERO)
Published: May 7, 2026, at 5:49 PM at www.turnto23.com
Addiction specialists in Kern County are warning about an emerging synthetic opioid called cychlorphine, which is reported to be more potent than fentanyl and more difficult to detect using standard drug testing methods.
The concerns were highlighted by Dr. Matthew Beare, an addiction medicine physician with Clinica Sierra Vista, who spoke about the risks associated with this drug. Cychlorphine belongs to a group of synthetic opioids known as nitazenes, which have appeared in other regions of the United States and internationally.
While there are no confirmed cases in Kern County at this time, concern has grown following a confirmed overdose death in San Francisco. Healthcare providers are closely monitoring the situation as part of broader efforts to stay informed about emerging substances that may affect community health.
Dr. Beare explained that cychlorphine is especially concerning because of its extreme potency, meaning even very small amounts can be life-threatening.
“You’re getting down to the point where you need like a grain of salt or grain of sand worth of that chemical to actually cause death.” — Dr. Matthew Beare, M.D.
In addition to its potency, cychlorphine presents challenges for detection. Its chemical structure makes it difficult to identify through standard toxicology testing, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment in emergency situations.
“What’s alarming about it isn’t just the potency. The concern is that because of its chemical structure, it’s actually very hard to detect in lab work.” — Dr. Matthew Beare, M.D.
Dr. Beare also noted that commonly used overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone (Narcan), may be less effective in some cases involving this type of synthetic opioid, potentially requiring additional doses to reverse an overdose.
In response, healthcare teams, including those at Clinica Sierra Vista, are taking proactive steps such as sending samples to specialized laboratories that can test for nitazenes and similar substances. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to understanding emerging drug trends and supporting patient safety.
Medical professionals emphasize the importance of awareness, early intervention, and access to care. Individuals who may be struggling with substance use are encouraged to seek support in a safe and compassionate environment, where care is focused on overall health, dignity, and well-being.
Am I Eligible for Substance Use Disorder Treatment?
All Clinica community health centers screen for substance use disorders (SUD) and refer patients to appropriate locations for treatment. Services for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are available at all specialty behavioral health centers in Kern and Fresno Counties. Clinica Sierra Vista offers SUD counseling services to patients aged 13 and over through our Delano and Ebony (Bakersfield) Behavioral Health Centers. We also offer school-based SUD treatment on select school campuses in Delano.
