For years, individuals in the United States have been struggling with mental health and substance use and trying to seek treatment. The substance use disorder (SUD) crisis has taken the lives of millions and continues to do so each year. It also seems like every year, a new type of drug rears its ugly head into our streets, and people have to learn about the dangers of the substance out of fear for their loved ones. Not too long ago, fentanyl was that new substance. The fentanyl crisis continues to pose a threat, as many continue losing their lives to this toxic substance.
In 2021, Colorado had one of the highest fentanyl overdose rates in the country. Two years later, this drug is still a problem that is wreaking havoc in many lives across the state and country. But what exactly is fentanyl? Why are the stats so high in Colorado, and what can people do to prevent these fentanyl overdoses from occurring? These are some of the questions we should be asking, and if you or a loved one are addicted to fentanyl, NorthStar Transitions encourages you to seek treatment immediately.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes fentanyl as a “powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.” Also used medically to treat patients with severe and chronic pain, synthetic fentanyl is produced for illegal use. Along with other synthetic opioids, fentanyl is notorious for drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors, and the brain adapts to it over time. This causes individuals to need more to experience the same effect, further risking overdose. According to the NIDA, fentanyl can cause:
As mentioned, fentanyl is more potent than morphine and continues to concern the country. Furthermore, Anne Milgram – the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator – described fentanyl as “the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered.”
Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can save a life. Many do not realize that it does not take much to cause a fentanyl overdose, with over 150 people dying daily from this synthetic opioid. Signs of a fentanyl overdose can include:
One may wonder why so many overdoses occur if people know about the dangers of fentanyl. While there are many answers, one is that many individuals do not even realize they have used it.
A common occurrence with street drugs is that many are intentionally laced. For example, before the legalization of marijuana in many states, individuals used to buy weed off the street. Unfortunately, drug dealers began lacing this weed with other things, and unbeknownst to buyers, they were buying something that could potentially kill them.
With the rise of lacing and mixing substances, fentanyl has taken the lives of millions. Even someone who has never smoked marijuana before is at risk because only a little instantly in a bag of marijuana is all it takes to cause an overdose.
In all honesty, the whole country has a fentanyl crisis. This is just another dark chapter of the greater opioid epidemic that has been plaguing the United States for decades. However, a high percentage of Colorado residents do seem to experience SUD. According to a National Survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 10.44% of Coloradans had a drug dependency in 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates an increase in the Colorado drug overdose mortality rate between 2020 and 2021. In 2020, there were 1,492 overdose deaths, and 1,887 in 2021. Determining the cause of this increase is challenging, though many may place blame on the pandemic. Nevertheless, the numbers are concerning, and while many other states experienced thousands more deaths, it still causes worry for our fellow Coloradans.
The question remains of whether or not the fentanyl crisis can be stopped. Millions of people strive to stop or prevent the continual rise of SUD in the world, but is it really possible?
The only way we can attempt to stop the fentanyl crisis is to continue spreading education and awareness. That means continuing school presentations, increasing access to treatment programs, and not being afraid to talk about the risks of fentanyl. Some days it feels like a losing battle, but with every person entering treatment, it is another life saved.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, we encourage you to seek treatment. Seeking treatment is the first step toward healing and ultimately saving your life. Call NorthStar Transitions or visit our website to begin your treatment journey today.
The fentanyl crisis is taking the world by storm, especially in Colorado. It's hard to say why, but the fentanyl overdose rates in Colorado are one of the highest in the country. Understanding why is challenging, but one thing's for sure – it's a growing concern. Unfortunately, preventing the growth of the fentanyl crisis is easier said than done. What we can continue doing is spreading information and awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and increasing access to competent treatment. NorthStar Transitions can help you or a loved one recover and heal from a fentanyl addiction through a number of treatments, programs, and amenities. To learn more about NorthStar, call (303) 558-6400 today.
