Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used as a pain medication and anesthetic. It is considered to be 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin. Because of its potency, it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, such as those who have cancer, or for patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids.
Fentanyl is typically administered in a hospital setting, but it is also available in a number of different forms, including tablets, lozenges, nasal sprays, and transdermal patches. It’s also being distributed illegally as a street drug, often mixed with other substances such as heroin, cocaine and even pressed into pills that mimic other prescription opioids.
The illegal use of fentanyl is particularly dangerous because it is often mixed with other substances and people may not be aware that they are consuming it. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to overdose and death. It is important to be aware of the dangers of fentanyl and to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and is responsible for a significant number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Arizona. Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous drug, and it is important to be aware of the risks associated with its use.
- According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, fentanyl was involved in the deaths of 1,538 Arizonans in 2019. This number is alarmingly high and shows the severity of the opioid epidemic in Arizona, specifically the impact of fentanyl in the state.
- In 2019, Maricopa County had the highest number of opioid-related deaths in the state, with fentanyl being the most common drug involved. This shows that the problem of fentanyl is particularly severe in this county, and highlights the need for targeted interventions in the area.
- In 2018, the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center reported a significant increase in calls related to fentanyl exposure, with a total of 207 calls, which was a 300% increase from the previous year. This indicates that the problem of fentanyl exposure is rapidly growing in Arizona, and that more needs to be done to address it.
- In 2019, the Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) reported that fentanyl was present in over 90% of the opioid-related overdose deaths in the state. This data shows how prominent and dangerous fentanyl is in the state, and how it is driving the opioid epidemic in Arizona.
- The Arizona HIDTA also reported that fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, making it even more dangerous and increasing the risk of overdose. This highlights the need for education and awareness around the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs, as well as the importance of identifying and treating addiction.
- In Arizona, fentanyl is often being sold as counterfeit pills, making it difficult for people to know what they are consuming, and increasing the risk of overdose. This highlights the need for education and awareness around the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs, as well as the importance of identifying and treating addiction.
- The Arizona HIDTA also reported that fentanyl is being smuggled into the state through the U.S.-Mexico border, making it readily available and accessible to the public. This highlights the need for effective border control measures to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the state, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction.
It’s important to note that these statistics are based on the most recent information available and can be subject to change. It’s also important to remember that fentanyl is a dangerous drug and its use should be avoided. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek professional help.
