Stuff You Should Know Fentanyl: Actually As Dangerous As They Say
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May 6, 2025 The discussion dives deep into the alarming rise of fentanyl and its connection to the opioid epidemic, highlighting its potency and the surge in overdoses. It examines the drug's complex history from a medical tool to a public health threat, alongside the challenges of hiring in the current economic climate. Harm reduction strategies are contrasted with punitive approaches towards substance use. The conversation also touches on misconceptions and prevention tactics, like naloxone, while drawing parallels to past drug crises.
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Fentanyl's Potency and Fast Action
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid about 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
- Its high fat solubility allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier faster, causing a quick, intense but short-lived high.
Fentanyl Deaths Declining Despite Potency
- Opioid deaths peaked in 2022 but are now declining, possibly due to widespread use of naloxone and test strips.
- Many fentanyl deaths are not due to increased users but increased potency and contamination of other drugs.
Dealers’ Role in Fentanyl Spread
- Dealers add fentanyl to heroin to reduce costs while charging heroin prices.
- This duplicitous introduction caused many users to overdose unexpectedly due to potency variance.