Published: 03/17/2026 | Author: Peter Lee

A newly identified synthetic opioid called cyclorphine is spreading across the Tri-State drug supply, raising concern about overdose risk among addiction-response leaders.

Officials say the greatest danger is that people often don’t know what substances they’re actually consuming.

Synthetic Opioid Crisis Spreads Across Tri-State Area

In Cincinnati, The Hamilton County Response Coalition began tracking cyclorphine toward the end of summer as drug trends started shifting somewhat away from fentanyl.

Cyclorphine first appeared in August 2025 and has since been connected to overdose deaths in other Ohio locations.

Authorities in surrounding states have also reported its presence. The Kentucky leaders issued a warning after learning the drug had penetrated their border. Tennessee officials have reported at least a dozen overdose deaths linked to cyclorphine.

Tom Synan, a representative from Hamilton County’s coalition, reported that the illegal drug market has become highly unstable, with substances appearing in unexpected combinations and forms.

“With drug supply the way it is now, you’re seeing these crazy mixes…” One lethal result from those “crazy mixes” is cyclorphine.

Cyclorphine Effects and Overdose Risks Explained

Investigators traced cyclorphine to New England and believe that this synthetic opioid exists in both pill and powder forms locally and nationally.

The influx of these new drugs has caused an upsurge in fatalities, ironically, due to the trend of weakening opioids to prevent overdoses and accompanying symptoms.

Some believe weaker opioids can reduce overdose risk, and in some cases they can. But, as Syan explained, while weaker doses can prevent overdoses, they often lower users’ tolerance.

Then, stronger opioids like cyclorphine enter the market and overwhelm users. Syan noted, “For someone who doesn’t have the tolerances, they could be susceptible to overdose or death.”

Even worse, the nature of “crazy mixes” means that users don’t know the strength and consistency of the drugs they buy. “What you think you’re getting, you have no idea,” observed Synan.

Testing seized drugs has revealed complex mixtures of up to 20 different drugs, including cyclorphine.

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Another effective line of defense against the opioid crisis is peer support, which anyone can do. You can find an NA group nearby by searching Narcotics.com’s directory of NA meetings or by calling 800-934-1582(Sponsored) .