Fentanyl Epidemic in America

Fentanyl Epidemic in America Name: Institutional Affiliation: Course: Instructor: Date: Fentanyl Epidemic in America Introduction Fentanyl is an opioid categorized as a synthetic opioid (Jannetto et al., 2019). Fentanyl is known for its super potency and strength when compared to other opioids such as heroin and morphine (Jannetto et al., 2019). It is said to be 50 times and 100 times stronger than heroin and morphine respectively regarding its pain-relieving power (Jannetto et al., 2019). Fentanyl as a synthetic opioid is an approved pain reliever (analgesic) and is also used as an anesthetic by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fentanyl is the greatest contributor to opioid addiction in the United States of America and is directly associated with high mortality rates hence has been marked as a Public health concern (Zoorob, 2019). Additionally, it is the main cause of both fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the United States. Not only is it negatively impacting health but also is a threat to the economy and national security. Ideally, fentanyl was approved for its use as a pain killer, however, there is a lot of disguising and misuse of the drug through overdosing for other purposes (Zoorob, 2019). There are two types of fentanyl: illegal and pharmaceutical fentanyl and are both synthetic. The pharmaceutical fentanyl is usually used in managing extreme pain for patients with advanced cancer, and patients who have undergone surgery. Fentanyl can be consumed singly in various forms such as snorting, sniffing, smoking, ingestion in the form of a pill or tablet, or combination with heroin and other substances (Zoorob, 2019). Mostly, the drug is made in the form of pills to mimic pharmaceutical drugs like oxycodone. Just like analgesic opioids, fentanyl evokes some responses upon its use such as a caustic effect, drowsiness, confusion, relaxed feeling, retention in the urinary, constriction of the pupil, depression of the respiratory system, relief of pain, and sedation (Zoorob, 2019). Overdosing with fentanyl poses detrimental effects to individuals. Some of the effects of overdosing include coma, stupor, change in the size of the pupil, cyanosis, and respiratory distress that can lead to death. There are three fentanyl symptoms known as triad symptoms whose presence is an indication of intoxication by opioids. The three symptoms include: pinpoint pupils, coma, and respiratory distress. Several cases of fentanyl overdose are a result of the illegal fentanyl finding its way through an illegal distribution network of illegal drugs. The illegal types of fentanyl are in two forms: liquid and powder, all mimicking common drugs. Dangerously, this drug is laced in several drugs and even candies, yet most people cannot identify substances laced with fentanyl. The overdosing of fentanyl is for its heroin-like feeling and effects. Due to its very high potency, fentanyl is usually mixed with other drugs, a strategy that reduces its cost, makes it more powerful and dangerous, and increases its addictive power (Smith, 2019). The idea of closing the fentanyl floodgates presents a significant policy issue. Fentanyl use, in any dose, poses a danger to human health. However, an overdose of the drug poses deleterious effects that are usually irreversible. Fentanyl use, more so overdosing with the drug is responsible for the highest opioid overdose deaths. Statistics reveal that more than 150 individuals die each day as a result of overdosing on synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Overview of the Fentanyl Epidemic in America An epidemic refers to a health event superseding the baseline level. Opioid utilization specifically fentanyl use was declared an epidemic due to its rampant use and its negative impact on individuals using the drug. Its declaration as an epidemic was a move to call for urgent and concerted efforts in its prevention and control. Overdosing using synthetic opioids is responsible for the highest mortality among individuals aged 18 to 45 years (CDC, 2021). The year 2021 witnessed an alarmingly increased number of deaths resulting from fentanyl overdose. Approximately 80,400 death cases were reported a number that exceeded the death cases of U.S. military members killed after the war in Iraq and Afghanistan ten times (CD...