Fentanyl: UK’s Next Drug Epidemic

Posted On April 27, 2021April 27, 2021

Crack cocaine and heroin are two of the worst drugs that a person can possibly take. They cause most of the drug-related deaths. As synthetic opioids like fentanyl becoming more widespread, there is a new epidemic arriving. Although it has been around since back in 1959, it made headlines in 2016 when the iconic American musician, Prince died due to an overdose. A doctor had prescribed the drug to Prince despite the fact that its legitimacy remains under question. But, fentanyl has become even more common today.

Not only is fentanyl a major problem in the United States, it has spread worldwide and the United Kingdom is no exception. In fact, it is commonly sold under the guise of heroin. Fentanyl-related deaths have been on the rise over the last few years. The United States has experienced a significant increase every year. Alarming statistics have been revealed in countries. England and Wales reported an increase of about 30 percent of deaths due to fentanyl in 2017. The death toll has only increased since then.

What Is Fentanyl?

In the simplest of words, fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid. When compared to morphine, it is about 50 to 100 times stronger. As for its effects, they are quite similar to heroin. However, the effects can be even stronger. But, the sad reality is that it a drug that is very easy to overdose on. In fact, even 2mg of fentanyl can kill a person. Hence, it is necessary to enroll in Alcohol Rehab North Wales or Drug Detox North Wales to seek help.

Generally, fentanyl is prescribed to individuals experiencing severe pain caused by an injury, surgery, or cancer. The reason why they are prescribed the drug is because they are immune to other opioids. It is also used during the anesthesia.

Fentanyl is easily available on the street drug market in the form of liquid, powder, and pills. The truth is that it is impossible to tell if drugs are adulterated with fentanyl without testing equipment. Since it is more affordable to produce, fentanyl is commonly mixed with heroin and other drugs to increase the strength while keeping cost lost.

Risks of Fentanyl

There is no denying that fentanyl is a more potent form of heroin and morphine. Its side effects include the following.

• Dangerously Low Heart Rate
• Coma or Loss of Consciousness
• Respiratory Depression
• Constipation
• Confusion
• Vomiting or Nausea
• Drowsiness

The main problem is that most people do not even know that they are using fentanyl. This only makes the drug even more dangerous. If they do not know how much they are taking or what they are taking, it is easy for them to overdose.

Rise in Fentanyl Addiction

The truth is that fentanyl addiction is one of the biggest risks which need to be addressed. There are plenty of regular consumers that drive demand. The United States is considered to have the highest number of opioid-related deaths. The only option available to addicts in the United Kingdom is Alcohol Rehab North Wales or Drug Detox North Wales.