In 2016, the opioid epidemic in America claimed more lives than gun violence and car accidents combined. This trend shows no sign of abating, as synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil are now the biggest killers in the country. These drugs are so potent that they can easily kill someone with just a single dose. In order to combat this epidemic, we need to increase access to addiction treatment and better educate people about the dangers of these drugs.
Experts warn that the synthetic opioid fentanyl is now the deadliest opioid epidemic in America. In 2015, fentanyl killed more people than heroin and cocaine combined. Since then, fentanyl has become even more deadly as drug dealers turn to it to increase profits. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than morphine and can be bought over the counter or on the internet. It’s often mixed with other drugs and sold as heroin or cocaine.
Experts are warning the public that synthetic opioids now pose the biggest threat to public health in the opioid epidemic. Synthetic opioids are often more powerful and addictive than traditional opioids, which makes them a greater risk to users and communities. The Department of Health and Human Services has declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, and experts are calling for stepped up efforts to identify and prevent addiction to these dangerous drugs.