Overdose fatality rates are skyrocketing. Fentanyl-related deaths have increased at an astonishing rate of over 30% in less than fifteen years. We have long understood the danger of illegal drug use. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 300 individuals die daily due to drug overdose. Why the extreme increase? And what can be done?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid with 100 times more potency than morphine and 50 times more potency than heroin. Physicians prescribe fentanyl for extreme pain and end-stage cancer relief. However, physician-prescribed fentanyl is not the primary cause of fentanyl-related overdose. The recent upswing in overdose occurrences is directly related to illegally formulated fentanyl.
Illegal drug makers aim to reduce cost, increase effect, and elevate addiction by adding fentanyl to stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Illicit drug manufacturers use roughly the same volume as three grains of salt. It only takes a tiny amount to produce devastating results.
In 2010, illegally made fentanyl caused 0.6% of U.S. overdose deaths. In 2021, that rate rose to 32.3%. Fentanyl’s effect on overdose rates became apparent in 2015. Since then, lacing stimulants with small amounts of fentanyl has become common practice for many illegal drug manufacturers. Consequently, every state in America has felt the devastating effects. Roughly 150 synthetic opioid overdose deaths occur daily.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) comes as a liquid or powder. Often, the buyer is unaware that the seller added fentanyl to the drug. Obviously, distributors do not provide an ingredient list. Fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, so users assume they are taking the same drug as always. Unsuspecting users pop the fentanyl-laced pill, unaware of the imminent danger. Sadly, the source of their high is now killing them. The liquid form of fentanyl is available as a nasal spray, eye drops or a liquid additive to food. Common street names for IMFs are the following:
Regardless of street name, these polysubstance drugs are easier than ever to take and extremely dangerous.
In April 2021, legislators voted to allow community-based organizations to use federal funding to buy and distribute fentanyl test strips (FTSs). These small papers resemble over-the-counter pregnancy tests and produce one red line when exposed to fentanyl in the sample drug and two red lines if the sample drug is free from fentanyl. By providing quick, life-saving information, the CDC hopes that fentanyl-related overdose rates will decline.
FTSs have their limitations. These test strips are not 100% accurate. As a polysubstance drug is mixed, the fentanyl is distributed unevenly within the fluid or powder. When testing for fentanyl, false negatives are possible because some samples from the drug may not have any fentanyl.
Providing fentanyl test strips is one creative strategy to reduce overdose rates. However, this is not the only tool providers have access to.
Naloxone, or Narcan, can quickly inhibit the opioid and reverse overdose. This easy-to-use antidote comes as an injectable or as a nasal spray. Physicians can prescribe this medication to patients who are concerned about overdose.
The landscape of polysubstance drug use is rapidly evolving. Physicians may be familiar with the changes, but the general public is not. Most are unaware of the new dangers related to fentanyl-mixed cocaine, meth and heroin.
Medical staff are often the first to be alerted to an individual’s substance use disorder (SUD), allowing them to provide resources and help. With judgment-free conversations, medical staff help establish a plan for SUD.
Substance abuse recovery is often met with negative stigmas, leaving individuals feeling embarrassed and disempowered. By entering conversations about illegal drug use and overdose, medical staff can help de-stigmatize recovery and promote valuable resources.
Cocaine and heroin are not what they used to be fifteen years ago. They are more dangerous than ever. In 2015, fentanyl’s effect on overdose rates became obvious when drug makers started mixing it with cocaine and meth. These illegal drug manufacturers use fentanyl to reduce costs, enhance effect, and promote addiction.
One in seven Americans claims to struggle with substance use disorder. Stress, trauma and mental health issues cause many people to turn to drugs for relief. Yet, a momentary weakness can lead to fatality when stimulants are laced with fentanyl.
We understand that addictions happen, but recovery is possible. With collaboration, we can help reduce the stigma of recovery, promote life-saving conversations, and provide valuable resources for all our patients. To learn more about how we can help your patients, contact us. Simply click the “Refer” button.
“Charting the fourth wave: Geographic, temporal, race/ethnicity and demographic trends in polysubstance fentanyl overdose deaths in the United States, 2010-2021.” Society for the Study of Addiction, 2023, Charting the fourth wave: Geographic, temporal, race/ethnicity and demographic trends in polysubstance fentanyl overdose deaths in the United States, 2010-2021 | Wiley Online Library.
“Stop Overdose.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, Stop Overdose.
“The Facts About Fentanyl.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, Fentanyl Facts.
“Reverse Opioid Overdose with Naloxone.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, Lifesaving Naloxone.
“Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy.
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