Addicts face hidden danger from fentanyl- laced drugs

Fentanyl is the strongest opiate on the streets right now and it’s estimated to be 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.

Not only is fentanyl sold on the streets “as is,” but it’s also mixed into other drugs by dealers who have no regard for human life; all they care about is taking the addict’s money.

Fentanyl has recently been found not only in heroin supplies, but it’s also been found in other illicit drugs like cocaine and marijuana.

Unsuspecting addicts consume the drug in the amounts they’re used to, completely oblivious to the fact that they are about to ingest a lethal dose of fentanyl. Fentanyl affects the opiate receptors of the brain and crosses through the bloodbrain barrier and creates an intense euphoria and addiction in the user much like heroin.

Fentanyl was originally only supposed to be indicated for cancer patients and for “end- of- life” pain. Now fentanyl is widely available throughout the country.

In order to get a grip on the growing opiate epidemic, doctors need to stop over- prescribing opiates so as not to create new addicts, and effective drug rehab needs to be made available to anyone who needs it.

Addiction doesn’t care who you are, how you were raised, or where you’re from; it can affect anyone.

For more information on fentanyl, go to narconon- colorado. org/ blog/ sadly- illicit - fentanyl- is- not- going- away- anytimesoon. html.

If you are in need of a referral to a treatment center, call Narconon at 877- 8415509.

Jason Good, Fort Collins

Editor’s note: Good is deputy executive director of Narconon Colorado.