Dangers of Fentanyl

In recent years, fentanyl has become a major contributor to the teenage deaths. The opioid-based drug is an incredibly powerful pain reliever that is now found in many street drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. Unfortunately, the powerful drug is often mixed with these substances without the users knowledge, leading to accidental overdoses. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 58.2% of synthetic opioid-related deaths in 2018 were associated with fentanyl. Synthetic opioids as a whole account for 66.2% of total drug overdose deaths in the United States, making it a leading killer of teens.

 

What makes fentanyl so dangerous is its potency. The amount needed to produce a high is far less than your traditional street drugs, so a single miscalculation could easily lead to an overdose. The potency of fentanyl also leads to drug dealers mixing it with other drugs in order to increase the potency and thus, the customer's satisfaction. This increases the chances of an accidental overdose, as users unknowingly consume more than they can handle. This can cause confusion over which drug is actually present in the system, making it difficult to treat and often leading to worse outcomes. 

 

Due to the danger of fentanyl, it has been labeled as a “public health emergency” by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. There is a growing awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, which is essential in the effort to keep it away from the public and especially teenagers. However, in order to truly tackle this crisis, it is vital that education and awareness continue to be ramped up. It is essential to teach teenagers about the dangers of fentanyl and the potentially deadly consequences of abusing the drug. It is also important for schools, parents and law enforcement to work together to create better awareness on the issue and provide resources and support for those who may be struggling with addiction. 

 

The dangers of fentanyl should not be taken lightly. It is important to understand the risks posed by this drug and intervene before it is too late. With proper education and awareness, we can save lives and prevent the added suffering of drug overdose. With the help of dedicated individuals, teens have the opportunity to realize a better future and avoid the dangers of fentanyl.