Drug abuse has always been a problem and there has never been a time in modern history where death by overdose wasn’t a very likely possibility. However, in current times the rate at which people are dying due to drug poisoning, aka overdosing, is increasing exponentially. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of just how far reaching this problem really is.
The increased risk of overdosing is no longer specific to the portion of the population that uses street drugs such as methamphetamine or heroin, but it is also reaching Middle America and a huge number of otherwise ‘normally functioning’ blue and white collar workers. Here is some of what you should know about the increasing dangers of drug abuse.
Fentanyl Is a Growing Concern
Most people probably remember the death of superstar Michael Jackson, a death that was the direct result of being injected with the synthetic opioid fentanyl. This led to a huge number of patients fearing the drug in its proper form and proper place when told they would be sedated with fentanyl prior to a surgery or procedure at the hospital. The difference is that in a hospital setting, the drug is being administered by an anesthesiologist and the proper dosage is given for that patient’s body weight. Also, doctors have medications at their disposal that can instantly counteract any negative effects fentanyl causes. This is not the case when used on the streets. But fentanyl alone is not the sole cause for concern.
Addiction to Prescription Medications
There are times when a patient becomes addicted to pain pills and is suddenly cut off his or her supply from the prescribing physician. These are the blue and white collar workers, Middle America, who step out into the ‘streets’ to obtain black market pills to curb their withdrawal. While they know it would be far safer and effective to enter an OxyContin detox program, they choose instead to go the easy route. Unfortunately, the easy way out is increasingly becoming the final way out.
Counterfeit Pills Are Being Laced with Fentanyl
What we are seeing now is the increasing availability of counterfeit pills out on the streets. They look just like the authentic pharmaceuticals but they are rarely formulated in the same way. Did you know that it is possible to get a pill stamping machine via the black market online, which in turn enables a less than scrupulous individual to manufacture street drugs and sell them as underground prescription medications? Many of these opioids which are now being ‘manufactured’ on the streets contain fentanyl, and people are dying across the country. In fact, it’s an epidemic.
If you have trouble with substance abuse, it is always in your best interest to seek help immediately. No one can force you to go into recovery, sometimes not even a court of law, so you have to do it for yourself. Never assume that the pharmaceuticals you buy on the streets are the real deal. More and more often they were manufactured by a drug dealer or cartel and you are increasing your risk of serious complications many times over. Get help before it’s too late.