PRESCRIPTION-LACED HEROIN
BECOMES DEADLIER!
More than 100 deaths
in Detroit area traced back to drugs mixed with fentanyl.
Narcotic painkillers are some of the most addictive and damaging drugs on
the market. These can range from drugs like oxycodone and vicodin to heroin
and methadone. One prescription drug in this category that has recently made
headlines is fentanyl, which is said to be 80 times more powerful than morphine.
Officials in the Detroit area claimed there have been 106 drug-related deaths
near the city between September and March and most of them were linked to
fentanyl mixed with other drugs. There were 33 such deaths in the past week
and many are suspected of being the result of the same deadly combination
of drugs.
Reports surfaced before the weekend that area drug counselors were trying
to get the word out on the street about the deadlier drug combination being
sold, while at the same time the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was
working to track down the source of the mixture. While Detroit has been the
hardest hit, evidence of similar occurrences has been found in Atlanta, Chicago,
New York and Philadelphia and other places as well.
According to the DEA, fentanyl was first synthesized in Belgium in the late
1950s, and because of its potency prescriptions are typically for very small
amounts administered orally or through a patch for severe pain.
Today there are several variations of the drug, called analogues, some of
which are produced clandestinely and can be hundreds of times more powerful
than heroin. Like many narcotic painkillers, this drug has been abused on
the street for decades, but unaware users are not prepared for the severe
effects.
“Your heart goes out to the people dealing with the loss of a loved
one, especially in this situation,” says Erica, who is a former heroin
addict turned drug counselor. “I wish there was more that we could do
to help, but making people aware of the problem, and that there is a solution
to drug addiction overall, can at least benefit those looking for a way out
and seeking help for loved ones.”
Erica is an executive at one of Narconon’s many rehabilitation centers.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us:
(877) 947-5900
info@narconon.org