Opioid-related overdoses in the U.S. are rising at an alarming rate, largely due to a synthetic opioid called “fentanyl.” Fentanyl is a Food and Drug Administration-approved analgesic and anesthetic that is to be used in medical settings to manage severe pain. However, due to its high potency and addictive qualities, fentanyl is now one of the leading drugs involved in overdoses in the U.S. In 2022, over two-thirds of the reported 107,081 drug overdoses involved fentanyl. Users of other drugs, such as cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin, can also be affected by fentanyl, as many manufacturers lace drugs with fentanyl to keep their customers addicted or dependent. This results in misuse because numerous users are unaware that their substances have been laced. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl weighing less than a grain of salt can be life-threatening.
The opioid epidemic in the U.S. began in the 1990s with overprescribing opioids like oxycodone for pain management. However, the drugs’ addictive qualities were overlooked, and many post-treatment patients became dependent. To satisfy the addiction, many turned to heroin, which caused a rise in heroin overdoses. Fentanyl made its debut in the 1960s as an anesthetic. Over time, fentanyl and its various derivatives gained recognition and acceptance as effective pain relief medications. However, misuse of these substances started to surge around 2010, primarily driven by incidents of theft and the proliferation of fraudulent prescriptions. UCLA-led research found that overdoses in the U.S. involving fentanyl and stimulants have increased more than 50-fold since 2010, with 235 deaths to 34.429 deaths in 2021. The U.S. has seen an astounding increase in opioid abuse, and the added factor of fentanyl-laced opioids or fentanyl use alone has led to a high mortality rate. Today, illicit fentanyl can be found in pills, street drugs, and synthetic cannabinoids. This epidemic affects various regions but disproportionately affects Native Americans or Alaska Natives and Black Americans, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and solutions.
The United States has implemented various strategies to combat this opioid epidemic, involving the federal and state governments, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and community groups and organizations. There is increased regulation and monitoring of the prescription and distribution of fentanyl by programs established to identify potential areas where the drug is being abused. Law enforcement plays its role by targeting the production and dispensing of illicit fentanyl. Public health initiatives have launched educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs. Additionally, efforts to increase access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, have been widespread. Access expansion to treatments for opioid use disorder has also been a priority. Other community-based coalitions have focused on reducing the health risks associated with drug use by providing clean syringes, safe injection sites, and education on safer methods.
There are many services offered to combat the addiction itself. Hospitals are legally responsible for providing adequate care to patients with substance abuse disorders. Integrating addiction treatment into primary care has promoted a holistic approach to dealing with this ongoing crisis. Criminal justice reform is also in the works, as many states have implemented programs that prioritize treatment over incarceration for drug offenders, as the emphasis is shifting from punishment to rehabilitation.
Additionally, crisis hotlines and support are free and available to those who seek help. Hotlines for substance abuse organizations are available 24/7, with the national helpline being for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The Counseling and Testing Center offers substance use/abuse counseling on Andrews University's campus. The center is located in Bell Hall Suite 123 and can be reached by phone at (269) 471-3470. The Institute for Prevention of Addictions is a research-focused organization supported by the university. The institute’s website offers sources for residential and online recovery resources. If you or someone you know is seeking addiction therapy or treatment, contacting a healthcare provider or a local treatment center is a vital first step to recovery.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.