Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its devastating effects on individuals and communities. Despite being primarily intended for medical use as a painkiller, the illicit market for fentanyl has been growing rapidly, leading many to wonder why people buy this dangerous substance.
“A lot more deaths involve both fentanyl and stimulants, but we still have the previous overdose crisis on our hands as well,” Shover says. “The opioid crisis has not basically decreased in any way and instead we have an even bigger crisis now with fentanyl and stimulants.” Most people die from respiratory depression and failure from an overdose of an opioid like fentanyl. This means breathing stops altogether, and they cannot get the oxygen their brain and body need to survive.
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The Appeal of Fentanyl
We see that among drug deaths involving other synthetic opioids (again, mostly fentanyls) without heroin among those under 30, alcohol and benzodiazapenes (barbiturates are quite rare now) are almost as common as methamphetamine. Whereas just over 25% of these deaths involve methamphetamine, over 46% of deaths among those 30 and older involving synthetic opioids and not heroin had meth listed on the death certificate as contributing to death. The older group is much more likely to also have methadone and/or other commonly prescribed opioids involved (and, not shown, 25% more likely to have antidepressants involved). The younger group is 71% more likely to have none of these other drugs involved beyond the synthetic opioids.
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Fentanyl’s potency is one of the main factors that attracts buyers. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and offers powerful pain relief. For individuals suffering from chronic pain or facing medical procedures, the allure of quick and intense relief can be difficult to resist.
People start using an opioid – maybe it was prescribed to them or maybe not. Over time, they have to take more of it to have the same effect, whether that’s pain relief or to feel good. Det. Cardinale describes vaping as the gateway drug that leads to more serious drug use including cocaine and Fentanyl. The vape pens contain THC resin which potentially holds up to 60 percent of THC inside the cartridge. According to the FDA, THC is the abbreviation for the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive component or substance of the marijuana plant. He says he has never seen anything like the boom in fentanyl cases here in the San Joaquin Valley.
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Furthermore, fentanyl’s high is known to produce intense euphoria and relaxation. This effect can be enticing for those seeking escape from their problems or looking for a temporary reprieve from emotional or psychological distress. The rapid onset and short duration of the drug’s effects also make it appealing to users who want an immediate and intense experience.
The Role of Accessibility
- This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize they might contain fentanyl as a cheap but dangerous additive.
- We investigated three available technologies to provide people who use drugs with information that could save their lives.
- People with substance use disorders may not know about the addition of fentanyl, which puts them at a higher risk of accidental overdose or death.
- Those in the synthetics but not heroin group were over twice as likely to be identified as Hispanic than those among deaths in the other two groups.
- Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk.
The accessibility of fentanyl on the illicit market is another crucial factor in its widespread use. With the rise of online platforms and darknet markets, acquiring fentanyl has become easier than ever before. Sellers often disguise the substance to avoid detection, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to curb its availability.
The target of an investigation, a low-level drug dealer, had the answer. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Look for information at Indiana Addiction Treatment or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. Dr. Christo says high schools and colleges should have fentanyl testing strips and Narcan available to curb deaths. There is a fatal overdose in Colorado every 4 hours, 45 minutes and 9 seconds.
Additionally, the relatively low cost of fentanyl compared to other opioids makes it an attractive option for people with limited financial resources. The affordability of the drug allows individuals who are unable to obtain prescription medications or seek proper healthcare to turn to fentanyl as a cheaper alternative.
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The Influence of Addiction
And at the state Capitol and with policy-makers, we’re advocating for balanced policy on fentanyl, especially increasing access to treatment across the state. However, clandestine lab operators have discovered it’s relatively easy to synthesize from a couple of precursor molecules that you can get from Pakistan, India or China. India has worked to cut off access to these precursors, but China and Pakistan have not. Cartels and other illegal operations order the precursors – often over the dark web – then do the final conversion into fentanyl in a lab.
Drug addiction plays a significant role in the demand for fentanyl. Once individuals start using opioids, they can quickly develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same desired effects. This escalation in dosage often leads users to seek out stronger substances like fentanyl.
Moreover, fentanyl’s potency increases the risk of addiction and dependency. The intense high experienced from fentanyl can create a powerful psychological and physical craving for the drug, leading to a cycle of dependence that is challenging to break.
The Need for Awareness and Intervention
Also, the exact amount of fentanyl contained in any supply is often unknown. Because of fentanyl’s strength, even very small amounts of fentanyl can cause an overdose. “Nearly every person discussed the increased frequency of overdoses—a constant reminder of the lethality of the drug supply. A few said that the regularity with which overdoses were occurring in New York City was like nothing they had ever experienced,” said McKnight. Unscrupulous scientists persist in exercising their craft, working in underground labs to manipulate fentanyl, isolate analogs, and create deadly combinations. The collection of hard-to-trace substances entering the market continues to kill users and sicken law enforcement as they battle the epidemic.
Given the serious risks associated with fentanyl use, it is crucial to raise awareness about its dangers and promote intervention strategies. Education campaigns should emphasize the potential hazards of fentanyl, including its high potency and the increased likelihood of overdose.
Efforts should also focus on expanding access to substance abuse treatment programs, providing support to those struggling with addiction, and enhancing law enforcement efforts to disrupt the illicit supply chain. By addressing both the supply and demand sides of the issue, we can hope to reduce the prevalence of fentanyl use and protect vulnerable individuals from its harmful effects.
In conclusion, the reasons why people buy fentanyl are multifaceted. Its potency, recreational appeal, accessibility on the illicit market, and the influence of addiction all contribute to its demand. To combat this growing problem, it is essential to prioritize public education, prevention measures, and comprehensive treatment options.
