Fentanyl’s Role in the Continuing Opioid Crisis in NYC

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Losing a loved one to a drug overdose is a distressing experience. Sadly, this is a reality for millions of Americans. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency due to the opioid crisis. That year, more than 70,000 Americans and 4,000 New Yorkers lost their lives to overdose. Since then, the opioid crisis has worsened, with a 300% increase in opioid-related deaths between 2010 and 2020. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, is a major part of the problem.

In fact, fentanyl was detected in 81% of drug overdose deaths in New York City from 2021 to 2022. These numbers prove that fentanyl is very much here in our city and on our streets, potentially reaching the people we love. In fact, if you’re reading this, you may have already been impacted by the opioid crisis. Recently, it was shared that 60% of overdose deaths occur at home and 16% occur in public, so there are steps we can take to protect the ones we love. Let’s explore.

What Is Fentanyl and Why Is it So Dangerous?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to manage severe pain, particularly in those who are tolerant to other opioids. It’s available in various forms like patches, lozenges, tablets, and injections. The fentanyl that’s contributing to the increasing overdose rates is produced illegally and sold on the black market. It’s often mixed with other substances such as cocaine, heroin, or counterfeit prescription pills. Usually, this is done without the user’s knowledge, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.

The reason why fentanyl is so dangerous is because of its potency. Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, which means a very small amount can be lethal. There is also no way to test for fentanyl, as it has no texture, taste, or odor. The only way to check is by using a fentanyl test strip. Fentanyl also has a rapid onset, leading to intense effects very quickly.

Like other opioids, fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, where breathing slows or stops completely. Users may also experience extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, cold, clammy skin, and bluish lips and fingertips. It is possible to reverse a fentanyl overdose using a medication called Narcan (naloxone). However, due to fentanyl’s potency, several doses are often needed.

What Led to the Opioid Crisis and the Rise in Fentanyl?

The opioid epidemic began in the late 1990s when pharmaceutical companies assured the medical community that prescription opioids were safe and non-addictive for treating pain. This led to a sharp increase in the prescribing of opioids. As opioid prescriptions increased, misuse and dependence became widespread. Many people who were initially prescribed these medications to treat pain became addicted. Others started using these medications for recreational purposes, as they produce a euphoric high.

As awareness of the addictive potential of prescription opioids grew, measures were put in place to limit their availability. However, many individuals who were already addicted to prescription opioids turned to illicit opioids, which are often cheaper and easier to obtain.

How to Protect Loved Ones from Fentanyl

Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills like Xanax. Because of this, some people ingest the substance without realizing it, leading to accidental poisoning.

Many families wonder why anyone would lace a product with fentanyl, a substance that can clearly kill someone in just one dose. But, it’s all about economics. Fentanyl is cheaper to produce and can generate huge profits for dealers. They’re willing to take this risk—even if it means losing some of their buyers. While efforts are being made to protect the country, there are things you can do too:

  • Carry Naloxone and know how to use it.
  • Talk to loved ones about fentanyl and the risk of overdose.
  • Avoid using drugs alone.
  • Keep all medications stored safely.
  • If using illicit substances, test for fentanyl using a test strip.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Services in NYC

If you or someone you know is using fentanyl, know that it is possible to recover. With the right support, you can break free of this addiction and get your life back. Spearhead Health has many different routes to treatment, allowing you to build a treatment plan that works for you. Some people do well in a residential program while others prefer an outpatient program while living in sober housing. There are many routes to healing, so let’s find yours. Contact us today at 310-561-1704 and see how we walk the recovery journey with our clients!