In the heart of the United States, an epidemic of unprecedented proportions grips the nation, touching the lives of nearly every individual. Fentanyl, an opioid notorious for claiming 23 times more lives than its opioid counterparts, stands as a relentless force, leaving devastation in its wake. With each passing year, opioid overdose deaths, primarily from fentanyl, surge higher, urging us to take action, educate ourselves, and enlighten others about this sweeping crisis. To cast a wider net of awareness, our mission is to disseminate fundamental knowledge about fentanyl, its composition, and the profound impact it exacts upon the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) community.
What is Fentanyl?
According to the DEA, Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. Like other opioids, fentanyl produces effects such as:
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Urinary retention
- Pupillary constriction
- Respiratory depression
However, aside from its medical use, illicit fentanyl is manufactured outside the country and smuggled across borders to be sold in illegal drug markets. It ends up on the streets, where it’s frequently found laced in common street drugs, unbeknownst to the person using it.
Why is it so Dangerous?
Fentanyl overdoses can happen easily, as extremely small doses of fentanyl can be lethal. Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Due to its lethality, around 150 people die from fentanyl overdoses every day.
Similar to other opioids, fentanyl can lead to dependency and addiction, but its significantly higher potency creates intense and immediate euphoria, making it highly rewarding and sought after. Additionally, fentanyl tolerance develops quickly, contributing to continued use.
How It’s Risen to the Forefront of the Opioid Epidemic
Fentanyl has played a significant role in the opioid epidemic, contributing to a substantial increase in overdose deaths. Its potency and widespread availability make it a particularly lethal component of this crisis. Fentanyl’s potency, ease of production, and availability in the illicit drug market have intensified the opioid epidemic, leading to increased overdose deaths and overwhelming healthcare and law enforcement systems. It has also underscored the importance of addressing addiction as a public health crisis and implementing harm reduction and treatment strategies.
This Impacts Us All
As the opioid epidemic tightens its grip on the nation, nearly every individual in our country is affected. Fentanyl, an opioid notorious for claiming 23 times more lives than its opioid counterparts, stands as an unrelenting force, leaving devastation in its wake. With each passing year, opioid overdose deaths, primarily from fentanyl, surge higher, compelling us to take action, educate ourselves, and enlighten others about this sweeping crisis. To cast a wider net of awareness, our mission is to disseminate fundamental knowledge about fentanyl, its composition, and the profound impact it exacts upon the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) community.
Looking For More Information?
Discover more about opioid use disorder (OUD) and potential symptoms and treatment options here.
Sources:
CDC. “Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm.
Accessed 3 November 2023.
DEA. “Facts About Fentanyl.” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, 2023. https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl.
Accessed 3 November 2023.
DEA. “Fentanyl.” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, 2023. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl.
Accessed 2 November 2023.
NEJM. “Fentanyl-Associated Overdose Deaths Outside the Hospital.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 2023. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2304991.
Accessed 30 November 2023.
USA Facts. “Are Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Rising in the US?” USA Facts, 2023. https://usafacts.org/articles/are-fentanyl-overdose-deaths-rising-in-the-us/.
Accessed 3 November 2023.
