The Dangers of Fentanyl: A Synthetic Opioid Causing Thousands of Overdose Deaths
Overview of Fentanyl
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. It was originally developed for pain management in cancer patients.
Increasing Misuse and Abuse
In recent years, fentanyl has been increasingly misused and abused, leading to a sharp rise in overdose deaths. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with heroin, cocaine or other drugs, increasing the risk of fatal overdose.
Leading Cause of Overdose Deaths
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the US. The number of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids increased over 15-fold from 2011 to 2019.
Street Names
Illegally made fentanyl is sold on the street under names like China White, China Girl, Apache, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Jackpot, Murder 8, Tango & Cash, and TNT.
Production and Distribution of Illicit Fentanyl
Easy to Manufacture Illegally
Fentanyl is relatively easy to manufacture illegally compared to other opioids. It can be produced in covert labs with freely available industrial chemicals.
Shifting Global Sources
China was a major source of illegally manufactured fentanyl until recent increased regulations. Production has shifted to Mexico and India. Fentanyl is smuggled into the US or ordered via the dark web.
High Profit Margins
The estimated production cost is just $3,500 per kilogram compared to around $325,000 for heroin. The profit margins for illicit fentanyl are enormous.
The Effects and Dangers of Fentanyl Use
Intense Highs, Repeated Dosing
Fentanyl provides quick and intense highs. However, the duration is short lived leading to repeated dosing and increased risks.
Respiratory Depression and Arrest
Fentanyl depresses breathing. Respiratory arrest is a major risk. Just 2-3 milligrams can be enough to induce respiratory depression or even death in non-tolerant users.
Other Effects and Side Effects
It causes drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation and euphoria. Side effects include severe anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations.
Addiction and Dependence
Tolerance builds quickly. Fentanyl has an extremely high addiction potential both psychologically and physiologically. Withdrawal symptoms are severe.
Dangers of Mixing Drugs
Combining fentanyl with alcohol or other drugs like benzodiazepines greatly increases the risk of overdose and death. It is often mixed into or sold as heroin, oxycodone or alprazolam.
Recognizing and Responding to Fentanyl Overdose
Signs of Overdose
Signs of fentanyl overdose include: pinpoint pupils, slow shallow breathing, gurgling/gasping sounds, blue/purple nails/lips, clammy skin, unresponsiveness.
Immediate Response
Immediately call 911. Administer naloxone if available. Perform rescue breathing. Try to keep them awake. Move them onto their side. Stay with them until emergency help arrives.
Naloxone and Ongoing Care
Multiple doses of naloxone may be required due to fentanyl's increased potency compared to other opioids. The duration of naloxone is shorter than fentanyl so overdose symptoms may return.
Treating Fentanyl Addiction and Preventing Deaths
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Like other opioid addictions, MAT using methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone combined with counseling can be effective. Withdrawal is more difficult and dangerous with fentanyl. Medical supervision is critical.
Improving Naloxone Access
Increasing naloxone access and training for high-risk individuals and families can prevent overdose deaths. Some cities have community naloxone distribution programs.
Harm Reduction Approaches
Other harm reduction approaches like drug checking services, safe injection sites and needle exchanges can also save lives. But stigma and criminalization are barriers.
Addressing Root Causes
It's important to address the root causes like trauma, mental illness, social isolation and lack of economic opportunity. Increasing access to support services and addiction treatment is key.
