Consumption of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids exacerbates addiction and high crisis in the United States

Fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized in January 2019 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Knockles, Arizona. Photo: A.P.

State governments in the United States are looking for ways to prevent the harmful effects of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.When the drug and excess crisis that the country has experienced for two decades continues to intensify.

In assemblies across the United States, Lawmakers are enacting laws aimed at reducing the risk to users and increasing the fines for smuggling fentanyl or mixing it with other drugs.

Republican prosecutors are calling for more federal action, and the AP says some Republican governors are using the National Guard to stop the flow of fentanyl from Mexico.

“It’s a great line between helping people and getting rid of drugs, while at the same time putting drug dealers in jail and on the streets,” said Nathan Manning, a Republican state senator from Ohio.

According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in November 2021, Between April 2020 and April 2021, the United States recorded 100,306 dangerous levels, 28.5% higher than the same period last year. (April 2019-April 2020, with 78,056 deaths).

For the first time, the cause crossed 100,000 deaths. Statistics reported by the CDC indicate that there is one death every five minutes.

The figure has alerted health officials that they are in an unprecedented “crisis” largely due to illegal sales and the use of the powerful opiate fentanyl.

According to officials, Two-thirds of deaths are associated with fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, which may be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, heroin or prescribed opioids.

The incident of five West Point cadets overdosing on fentanyl while on vacation in Florida highlights the dangers and widespread nature of the fentanyl crisis.

When users sometimes look at fentanyl in particular, other synthetic ingredients that have similar properties to it are often mixed with other drugs or made into blended tablets, so users may not know they are taking it.

Experts say test strips can help prevent accidental overdose of drugs mixed with fentanyl. Strips are also given in exchange for needles and sometimes at concerts or other events where drug sales or use are expected.

(With information from the AP)