In the past, drug overdoses usually resulted from taking too many drugs. However, the introduction of fentanyl has changed everything. Fentanyl, a potent narcotic added secretly to street drugs, can be lethal even in tiny amounts, making any dose potentially fatal.
10. How We Got Here
The fentanyl epidemic is rooted in the opioid crisis. In 1996, Purdue Pharma introduced OxyContin, falsely promoting it as a non-addictive solution for chronic pain. This lie led to widespread addiction and the rise of “pill mills,” where doctors profited from prescribing legal opioids.
While pill mills are declining, the addiction crisis persists. Fentanyl is now mixed into heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, leading to accidental overdoses and fatalities.
9. Prime-of-Life King Killer
In 2021, fentanyl became the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, surpassing even COVID-19. Fentanyl killed approximately 79,000 young adults, while COVID-19 caused 53,000 deaths in the same age group.
James Rauh, founder of Families Against Fentanyl, described this as a national emergency, emphasizing that unsuspecting young adults are being poisoned by illicit fentanyl.
8. The Pandemic Made It Worse
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the fentanyl crisis by isolating addicts and disrupting recovery meetings. Closed borders also led to increased reliance on fentanyl, as it is easier and more cost-effective to transport than bulkier drugs like heroin and cocaine.
This shift resulted in fentanyl spreading more widely, bringing tragic consequences to many communities.
7. Lethal in Miniscule Amounts
Fentanyl is incredibly potent, about 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. A lethal dose can be as small as two milligrams—an amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil.
Its synthetic nature and low production cost make it a favorite among drug dealers. However, this makes it an addict’s worst nightmare, as any dose could be fatal. Fentanyl kills one American every 8½ minutes, averaging 175 deaths per day.
6. Another Cheap Chinese Import
Over 90% of the illicit fentanyl in the U.S. comes from China. Underground labs produce fentanyl, and drug cartels in Mexico and Central America also contribute to its production.
Despite pledges from Chinese President Xi Jinping to control fentanyl production, the components and analogs continue to find their way out of China, often facilitated by corruption within the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
5. Holding Dealers Accountable—For More Than Selling Drugs
The lethality of fentanyl raises the question of whether dealers should be held liable for overdose deaths. The case of actor Michael K. Williams, who died from fentanyl-laced drugs, serves as a key example.
The dealer who sold the drugs to Williams was sentenced to 10 years in prison, setting a precedent for holding dealers accountable for knowingly selling fentanyl-laced substances. Other jurisdictions, like Iowa, have also increased prison time for fentanyl dealers.
4. Celebrity Death List
Fentanyl has claimed the lives of several celebrities, including rapper Coolio, Lil Peep, and actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. It has also affected A-listers like Prince and Tom Petty.
Family members of famous individuals have also fallen victim to fentanyl. Bobby Brown, Jr., and Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro, both died from fentanyl overdoses, highlighting the widespread impact of this crisis.
3. Passing the Test: Fentanyl Strips
Fentanyl test strips are a tool to combat overdose deaths. These strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in drug residue, helping users avoid accidental overdoses. Though initially controversial and illegal in many places, over 20 states have legalized their purchase, and they are now available online.
2. It Could Be Far Worse…
Naloxone, also known as NARCAN®, is a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. It is often administered by emergency responders and can rapidly restore normal respiration.
Naloxone has been called the “Lazarus Drug” due to its dramatic effect, and it has prevented thousands of deaths. In 2021, 1.2 million naloxone prescriptions were filled, and in 2022, it helped save many from opioid overdoses.
1. But It Might Get Even Worse
A new, even deadlier drug called isotonitazene (ISO) has emerged. It is five times more potent than fentanyl and has been found in street drugs and counterfeit pills. ISO poses a significant threat, as it is often not tested for in postmortem analyses.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is working to add ISO to the state’s list of Schedule 1 narcotics, emphasizing that “one pill WILL kill” with these new compounds.
Understanding the facts about fentanyl is crucial to addressing this crisis. From its origins and the factors that have exacerbated its spread to the tools and potential future threats, awareness is the first step in combating this deadly epidemic.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to help raise awareness.
