Fentanyl is a powerfully potent synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more powerful. It is a prescription drug primarily used to treat patients with severe pain who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. Fentanyl can be administered intravenously, intranasally, via transdermal patch, or in lozenge form. The most common side effects of fentanyl include drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. Fentanyl can be extremely dangerous if not used properly, and has been linked to several overdose deaths in recent years.
So what makes fentanyl so dangerous? And why are police cracking down on fentanyl so hard? Below are five fast fentanyl facts that may help explain the drugs significant impact on modern society.
1. Fentanyl Commonly Causes Overdose Death
According to the CDC, over 150 people die daily from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl is increasingly being found in illicit drugs, leading to a surge in overdoses. Fentanyl is now the most common drug involved in overdose deaths in the United States. Most people who overdose on fentanyl do not know the drug is in their system.
Fentanyl is dangerous because it is so potent. A small mistake in dosage can be fatal. And because it is often mixed with other drugs, it is difficult to know how much fentanyl is in a given drug. This makes it easy to take too much accidentally.
2. Fentanyl Can Be Absorbed Through the Skin
Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, entering the body through cuts or other open wounds. This makes it particularly dangerous for first responders and others who may come into contact with the drug. Fentanyl can also be inhaled, which can lead to serious respiratory problems. Inhaling even a small amount of the drug can be fatal.
3. Fentanyl Can Be Prescribed in Many Different Forms
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller that is available in several different forms. It can be prescribed as a patch, lozenge, or injectable. Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug, and patients who use it for an extended period may develop a tolerance to it. When this happens, patients may need to take higher doses of the drug to achieve the same level of pain relief.
4. Fentanyl Can Be Highly Addictive
The drug is often used to treat pain, but it can also be used to get high. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to heroin, which can make it addictive. People who use the drug can develop a tolerance and dependence on it. They may need larger and larger doses to get the same effect. Withdrawal from fentanyl can be difficult and uncomfortable. Symptoms include anxiety, sweating, shaking, and nausea.
5. Fentanyl is an Illegal Street Drug in Colorado
Fentanyl is considered an illegal street drug in Colorado by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Fentanyl is often sold as a white or brown powder that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. It can also be made into fake pills that look like other prescription opioids, such as oxycodone.
A small amount can cause a person to stop breathing, and it is often mixed with other drugs, making it even more dangerous. Fentanyl is responsible for many overdose deaths in Colorado, and the state has seen a sharp increase in fentanyl-related overdoses in recent years.
What Are Police Doing About It?
House Bill 1263 makes possessing small amounts of drugs for personal use a misdemeanor, with a few exceptions. These “date-rape drugs” like flunitrazepam, ketamine and gamma hydrozybutyrate (GHB) are still felonies to possess in any amount. Cathinones, also known as “bath salts,” are also still felonies to keep in any amount.
This recent change aims to reduce the prison population and give people struggling with addiction a chance to get treatment instead of incarceration. The bill has been criticized by some, who say that it will increase drug use. However, proponents of the bill say that it is a necessary step to reduce the negative impact that the war on drugs has had on communities of color.
Hire a Colorado Springs Drug Crime Lawyer If You’ve Been Accused of Drug Possession
Hiring a lawyer is vital to help you navigate the legal process if you’ve been accused of drug possession. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the possible consequences and can also help you build a strong defense. Drug possession charges can be severe, and a Colorado Springs drug crime defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. to help you build a strong case in court. Call (719) 475-2555 immediately for a consultation.