A synthetic opioid epidemic sweeps across the nation, extinguishing nearly 150 lives each day. Fentanyl, responsible for a tragically high number of these overdose deaths, is the leading killer. Although the crisis is clearly dire, there is still cause for hope; the combined forces of the CDC, local law enforcement, and powerful politicians are deeply invested in the war on drugs. The fight against fentanyl has begun, and here’s what you need to know about it.

Heartbreaking Background

There’s an old saying: “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” This idiom couldn’t be better illustrated than in the origins of the synthetic opioid epidemic ravaging our country. One of the startling realities about Fentanyl is that it was actually created by the pharmaceutical industry, designed as an anesthetic to treat patients with severe or chronic pain. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and is carefully monitored in medical situations to ensure non-lethal doses. Unfortunately, street Fentanyl use is entirely unchecked, and the resulting death toll is staggering.

From The Lab To The Streets

Despite its benevolent beginnings, Fentanyl fell into the wrong hands – hands capable of reproducing the dangerous anesthetic illicitly. Now a staple in the illegal drug market, Fentanyl is often mixed with drugs like heroin and cocaine to intensify euphoric sensations. Even drugs as benign as marijuana have been mixed with Fentanyl; the results are deadly. The frightening reality, and the reason why fentanyl is the leading killer amongst drugs in the U.S., is that fentanyl is taken unwittingly, mixed with highly sought after but less dangerous drugs; it’s killing people who never set out to take it in the first place. 

Who’s Involved In The Fight Against Fentanyl

Problems as deep, diverse and widespread as the synthetic opioid crisis can seem unsolvable, but there is still cause for hope. Law enforcement is cracking down on illicit drug manufacturers and dealers, actively trying to stop the scourge at the source and face the challenge with force. Meanwhile, the CDC is addressing the problem from a different angle, focusing on preventive measures and the efficient treatment of those prone to overdose. Its Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) plan funds health departments in 47 states, Washington DC, two territories, and 16 cities and counties, providing the means to respond optimally to any overdose situation. 

Have You Been Accused Of Drug Crime?

Drug crime isn’t taken lightly, and the punishments even for possession of synthetic opioids can be severe. If you’ve been arrested for a drug crime, you need a lawyer immediately. Mark Catanzaro has a lengthy history of defending criminals of all sorts, including those involved in drug crime. So choose Catanzaro Law today and get the defense you need!