“Fentanyl and the Opioid Crisis, The Impact on Society.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that does not come from natural opioid-like morphine, instead, fentanyl is made through chemical synthesis in a laboratory. Moreover, fentanyl is many times stronger than heroin and morphine. Fentanyl has been used as a prescription medication to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients, but it can also be produced illegally and sold on the black market and is an extremely addictive and dangerous drug that can result in respiratory problems, coma, death, and the most frequent problem fentanyl addiction. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are becoming more popular in recent years causing thousands of deaths because of overdoses in the USA. This problem has grown even worse with the recent decline in employment across the country. Fentanyl can enter the country in two ways, legally and illegally. One way Fentanyl enters the country through pharmaceutical companies and Fentanyl is produced illegally in other countries such as China and Mexico. Fentanyl causes health and mental problems, but the reason people use it is for money problems, people do not have enough to live, or depression. Hundreds of other people, however, became addicted to fentanyl without realizing it because some pharmaceutical companies falsified documents to make fentanyl appear safe for their health. The presence of fentanyl on the streets of the USA is necessary to be withdrawal due to its devastating impact on lives, the economy, and societal stability. The availability of fentanyl leads people to use it as a distraction, which causes destructive consequences. Removing fentanyl is crucial to safeguard lives and restore social stability.
What is fentanyl and where does it come from?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic medication, usually used to relieve pain and treat other severe pain management or during surgical procedures and can produce strong euphoric sensation as Chris P. (2002) states “synthetic Fentanyl is used for anesthesia and post operative pain management” fentanyl demonstrated to be more effective analgesic in the market. Other opioids such as morphine are used the same way, but there is a big difference between these opioids. Fentanyl is around 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and other kinds of regulated opioids. This is supported by Chris P. (2002) saying “In studies comparing Fentanyl and oral morphine, many patients have started a preference for fentanyl” this Study indicate that due fentanyl is stronger than other pain management people preferent it, and stared to used it more frequently. But illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become a significant problem, illicit fentanyl usually is mixed with other drugs like heroin, making it stronger and more dangerous. This illicit fentanyl sold in the streets has been associated with the rise of deaths because of overdoses. Evidence of this fact is showed in the document by Cody C., Michelle L. et al, (2019) “Fentanyl mixed into heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, with or without the users’ knowledge, has increase the risk for fatal overdose” the increase in deaths is most notable in recent years. But in NYC as Cody C., Michelle L. et al, (2019) say “A 55% increase in the rate of fatal drug overdose in NYC was observed from 2015 to 2017” This means that the fentanyl problem has been growing in recent years. Fentanyl used illegally in the United States originates primarily from Mexico and China, while cartels are also able producing it clandestinely in Mexico. As LEWIS, M. (2021) mentions “persons, both neutral and legal with connections in the government exports Fentanyl from China to Mexico” with this evidence, we can claim that China is the primary fentanyl producer, but there are additional routes by which fentanyl enters the US. According to Peniley P. (2020) “Each illegal laboratory in this region produces an average of about 20,000 doses of fentanyl each week for the US”. The cartels also found a way to produce fentanyl because it is in extremely great demand in the US and is produced at these labs to meet that demand.
The question of whether the problem is the excessive amount of fentanyl entering the US or the existing demand has become a topic of debate in the US and other parts of the world. Fentanyl initially gained popularity as a pain relief option for Veterans in the army, but unfortunately, certain pharmaceutical companies, who promoted it as a safe medication, distributed fentanyl to individuals in need of pain relief. Regrettably, some of these individuals developed a severe addiction to fentanyl. As the demand for fentanyl continues to rise, some people took this problem as an opportunity. An example of this is the involvement of ex-army members who faced accusations of illegally distributing fentanyl. The reason why fentanyl has gained more popularity is because it has reduced the number of synthetic opioids that can be consumed in the US. As it can be evidenced by Socias M. (2017), that says “The epidemic of fentanyl related to overdoses could be the consequence of efforts to reduce the supply of opioid analgesics and heroin without simultaneously addressing the needs of those who have become addicted.” The consumption of illegal fentanyl, combined with its dangerous adulteration with other substances, stems from the failure of efforts to eradicate fentanyl from the streets. Instead of curbing its availability, these measures inadvertently worsened the situation, pushing individuals already struggling with addiction further into their grip. Consequently, without the necessary support they desperately needed, they turned to illicit fentanyl. It is worth noting that some individuals who unintentionally fell into fentanyl addiction were initially seeking legitimate pain relief, only to discover a substance that, instead of alleviating their suffering, inflicted harm upon them. Florida and Ohio are the most affected states in the USA as Peterson A. says “80% of the fentanyl submission drug products obtained by the law enforcement were identified from 10 states including Florida and Ohio, and these states reported the highest fentanyl-related overdoses deaths” These states not only have the highest number of fentanyl overdose deaths but also exhibit alarming rates of growth in such fatalities. The escalation in fentanyl use can be attributed to a myriad of economic and psychological challenges faced by the residents in these areas. Many individuals in these states grapple with severe economic hardships, leaving them with inadequate means of subsistence. Consequently, some resort to living on the streets, where they are more vulnerable to the lure of fentanyl consumption, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
How fentanyl affects the people and their lives?
Fentanyl affects people’s health and well-being, illicit fentanyl can cause various health problems, including respiratory problems and even death. Prolonged use of this drug can also cause people to develop a strong addiction to the drug. The effects of this drug as Colon B. (2019) “The epidemic of fentanyl overdoses profoundly impacts people’s lives and jeopardizes their health, elevating this crisis to a state of urgency that demands intervention from health authorities.”. Despite the efforts of the authorities to stop the crisis caused by fentanyl, there are no results, however, cases of overdose have increased by almost 45% between 2017 and 2019 and continue to rise Due to fentanyl’s potency, addiction is a significant concern. Fentanyl use over time can cause physical and psychological dependence, making it difficult for users to quit even if they wish to. Fentanyl addiction can cause relationship problems, poor work performance, and financial difficulties. Fentanyl causes mental problems, produces a feeling of euphoria while being consumed, but when the effect wears off, the person feels bad again and is unable to sustain life, which makes him want to experience that feeling of euphoria once more, further increasing the risk of death from an overdose.
The likelihood of an overdose is considerably increased by illicitly produced fentanyl, which is frequently combined with other substances like heroin or cocaine. Due of fentanyl’s strength, accidental overdoses are more likely because even little doses can be fatal. Overdoses from fentanyl have significantly increased the incidence of opioid-related fatalities worldwide. Misuse of fentanyl may have greater socioeconomic consequences. The loss of loved ones due to fentanyl-related overdoses have an impact on families and communities. As a result of fentanyl misuse, there may be a significant burden on social services, law enforcement, and hospital systems. The financial strain brought on by medical expenses, addiction treatment, and lost productivity only increases the effect. To lessen the catastrophic impacts of fentanyl on both individuals and society, it is crucial to address the issues surrounding it through prevention, education, access to treatment, and support services. Another of the possible solutions is mentioned in the article by Socias M. (2017) “Since many people at risk of overdoses are recreational users rather than dependent users in need of a treatment, another potential solution id the implement of drug testing services.” In this way, people will be able to know the risk and how they can change their consumption practices and prevent tragedies from occurring. With this tool, people will be able to know if they are at risk of an addiction and find help in a safer and faster way. In conclusion, fentanyl, as a synthetic drug, profoundly impacts people’s health, potentially leading to respiratory issues and fatal outcomes. It also engenders addiction and mental health challenges. Unfortunately, attempts to stop the spread of fentanyl proved to be short, leading to an alarming spike in overdose instances and an increase in the number of people dying from its use. One distressing behavioral manifestation observed among severe fentanyl addicts is their zombie-like demeanor, leading to the labeling of certain towns in Florida and Ohio as “zombie towns.” Illicit fentanyl not only affects societal well-being and morale but also has a detrimental economic impact. Significant resources are allocated to combat the fentanyl crisis, yet the desired outcomes remain elusive, prompting some economists to label fentanyl addicts as “public charges.” To properly combat this epidemic, a diverse strategy is required, one that involves improving the nation’s economy and raising people’s wages in order to reduce homelessness and consequent fentanyl use. Additionally, individuals can prevent fentanyl usage and seek appropriate aid by being empowered by education and readily available support systems, which contributes to alleviating this health crisis.
References
Colon-Berezin, C., Nolan, M. L., Blachman-Forshay, J., & Paone, D. (2019). Overdose Deaths Involving Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs New York City, 2000–2017
Socías, M. E., & Wood, E. (2017). Epidemic of deaths from fentanyl overdose. BMJ: BritishMedical Journal, 358.
LEWIS, M. (2021). “CRIMINALIZING CHINA”. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (1973-).
Peterson, A. B., Gladden, R. M., Delcher, & Goldberger, B. A. (2016). “Increases in Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths — Florida and Ohio, 2013–2015”. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 65(33).
Chris Pasero and Robert (2002). “Pain control: intravenous Fentanyl”, The American Journal of Nursing. Peniley Ramirez (2020) “How the sinaloa cartel makes fentanyl and ships it to the USA”. UnivisionNews.
