Fentanyl is a synthetically made opioid that is fifty times stronger than heroin and a hundred times more stronger than morphine.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental overdoses by this drug are currently the number one killer of people ages 18 to 45.  In general, opioids trigger the release of endorphins which reduce stress, anxiety, and pain levels, while giving its user a temporary moment of bliss, but often for a great cost.  Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed to patients to help treat extreme pain and discomfort.  It was originally only created for this purpose, and used by people with diseases like cancer. But, most recent cases of fentanyl-related accidents are caused by illicitly made fentanyl which is illegally dealt with and distributed.  It’s laced into other drugs like heroin to increase the potency and make them more effective and stronger for a cheaper price, but this makes them even more dangerous to use than they already are.   In both its powdered and liquid form, it’s discrete and can be mixed into other drugs without the consumer's knowledge.  

This drug is not only highly addictive, but additionally very lethal, as it’s accountable for more than 70% of all overdose deaths in 2021.  Many of these cases involved other drugs like marijuana and heroin, but had a dangerous amount of fentanyl mixed in, and users didn’t know this at the time.  This is because it's not visible and has no smell, and can be put into substances where it’s impossible to know what else is in it.  Fentanyl can even be made into pills that are laced in other pills and sold in counterfeit medication bottles as prescription drugs like Adderall and Xanax.  Just consuming two milligrams is fatal, and it doesn’t even need to be consumed to take effect.  While on break, four students took fentanyl laced cocaine and went into cardiac arrest, and two others fell ill just by being exposed while giving CPR.  All six needed to be hospitalized while some received intensive treatment.

This prevailing issue is not going away, and these drugs must be seized before entering the borders from Canada and Mexico illegally after being made overseas.  People need to be aware that any under the counter medicines and drugs have the possibility of being laced with lethal drugs and opioids.  Society needs to be educated on this current issue and gain the knowledge needed to overcome this epidemic so to speak.  This must be talked about more, and misinformation through social media must be stopped.  Our youth should be taught more about the true dangers of drugs and know that they shouldn't be underestimated, as all illegal drugs can be laced with other more dangerous ingredients.  They, along with other vulnerable audiences are being targeted, while their dealers underplay the strength of the drugs they illegally sell.  This must be stopped, and respective parties should be held accountable.  Furthermore, there's a need for more light to be shed on this topic as awareness is a key component in prevention.

Sources

"The Facts About Fentanyl." CDC, www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/pdf/fentanyl_fact_sheet_508c.pdf.

Conaughton, Gig. "Supervisors Approve Plan to Address Illicit Fentanyl Crisis." Country News Center, 13 Dec. 2022, www.countynewscenter.com/supervisors-approve-plan-to-address-illicit-fentanyl-crisis/.

Rine, Natalie. "Rainbow Fentanyl: A Dangerous Trend." Nationwide Children's Hospital, Sept. 2022, www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2022/09/rainbow-fentanyl. 

Al-Arshani, Sarah, and Yelena Dzhanova. "6 West Point cadets were taken to the hospital in Florida after overdosing on fentanyl-laced cocaine." Insider, Mar. 2022, www.insider.com/west-point-cadet-spring-break-overdosed-fentanyl-laced-cocaine-2022-3. 

"Opioids and Drug Overdose Prevention." Connecticut State Department of Public Health, portal.ct.gov/dph/Health-Education-Management--Surveillance/The-Office-of-Injury-Prevention/Opioids-and-Prescription-Drug-Overdose-Prevention-Program