Heroin has been the most popular illicit opioid for recreational use for decades, but fentanyl is relatively new in illicit markets, and it has made a huge impact in the last few years. You may already be aware that heroin overdoses and deaths are on the rise around the country, but that only tells part of the […]
Tag: fentanyl
The Invisible Dangers of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs: Meth
The rate of accidental, often fatal overdoses involving fentanyl-laced street drugs has increased significantly in recent years with stimulants such as methamphetamine accounting for the large majority of new cases being reported. Each drug has long been considered extremely addictive and deadly in its own right; however, a random sampling study of meth seized by […]
The Invisible Dangers of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs: Counterfeit Pills
The rate of accidental overdoses involving fentanyl-laced street drugs has increased significantly in recent years due in large part to illegally mass-produced counterfeit pills becoming more readily available and less expensive to buy on the black market. Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are intentionally manufactured to look identical to many commonly prescribed medications and have exploded […]
Why Are Opioids Addictive?
Why are opioids addictive?Opioids are highly addictive because they flood the brain with endorphins and dopamine, which produce feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and euphoria. The “high” is so powerful and unlike any natural rush of endorphins and dopamine that the only way a person can experience those feelings again is by using opioids. There are […]
Fentanyl is Now Banned in China, Cutting Supply to the U.S.
According to a recent report from the New York Times, China banned all fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances, slowing the supply of the deadly drug to the U.S.1 The ban went into effect on May 1, 2019. There is hope that this decision will greatly reduce the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in America.
Scheduling and Drug Classification Charts: Making Sense of Drugs
Drug classification and scheduling systems are helpful ways for people of all backgrounds and professions to clearly distinguish the potential dangers of various drugs and prescription medications. But for those who don’t understand the classification system, it may just seem like a bunch of legal jargon and nonsense.
Texas Overdose Deaths Have Nearly Tripled in the Last 18 Years
The entire U.S. is facing an ongoing opioid crisis, and Texas is no exception. Although the Lone Star State isn’t typically known for being a hotspot for opioid overdoses, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prove the face of the substance abuse problem in Texas is changing.
Fentanyl-Laced Pills Flooding Texas, 40 Other States
According to media reports and the Partnership for Safe Medicines, Texas is one of 40 states being flooded with fentanyl-laced pills.1 These pills are rapidly being distributed across the nation and are sold on the streets as painkillers and medications, although they are counterfeit.