Fentanyl Epidemic: Week in Review
In the Unites States, the foremost cause of death under 50 is drug overdose. The overdose of drugs is spiked due to the easily-accessible, synthetic opioid made by pharmaceutical companies. Puzzled parents and loved ones are asking frequent questions regarding Fentanyl like “What are we doing to stop the never-ending, always-growing opioid & fentanyl epidemic?”
What does fentanyl look like?
Fentanyl can be confused with heroin, cocaine or any other street drug as it has no distinct traits to stand out. It is usually white or tan in colour, when in powder form. There are many unique forms of fentanyl that make it so dangerous.
There are a staggering number of “research chemicals” that are coming from the internet, under the radar. These chemicals identified as a scientific formula are shipped with a label stating something like, “USE FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY” or “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION,” which is or once was a way of reducing penalties for possession. This makes it more frightening as anyones can certify and get these chemicals delivered.
What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is classified as a commonly known “opioid pain medication like morphine and OxyContin.” The only similarity between fentanyl and morphine is their classification. There are a bunch of differences, the biggest being the strength of fentanyl. Some of the forms of fentanyl analogs carry up to ten thousand times the potency level as compared to prescription opioids, such as OxyContin, morphine, and Dilaudid.
Celebrity Usage Exposed
Gel patches and fentanyl lollipops are other common methods of delivery. Many celebrities including late music icon, Prince and Britney Spears have been suspected of publicly ingesting and referencing the opioid-laced lollipop. Also, the death of Prince was due to opioid dependence. Where the lollipops are appealing to the American youths, the media felt that there was a need to expose these deadly drug addiction even in the rockstars.
Fentanyl Epidemic Eruption
Unfortunately, the cases regarding overdose are reported nationwide every day. The overdose rate in West Virginia is three times the national average. In an interview with The Boston Globe, Michael J. Ferguson stated, “Fentanyl is manufactured death, and it’s like no other epidemic that I’ve come across in my 27 years at Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).” Massachusetts saw 1,899 deaths by opioid overdose in 2016 and 69% of them tested positive for fentanyl.
So, it’s important for you to stay away from Fentanyl. If you are anyone you know is suffering from drug addiction, it’s time to take the first step towards sobriety. Skywardtreatment can be your guiding angels, with our many therapies and programs. So, why not call us now?