Fentanyl raises new concerns with overdoses

Illegal drug showing up in cocaine, meth in California

Illegal drug use is taking its toll on America, with fentanyl adding new layers of concern to the problem.

Close to 200 people died each day in the U.S. last year from opioid-related overdoses, the Associated Press reports, according to preliminary figures showing more than 72,000 overdose deaths in 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that overall, drug overdoses killed a record number of Americans in 2017, up about 10 percent overall from the prior year.

In the last few years, there’s been much conversation about heroin and fentanyl, but statistics show that methamphetamine and cocaine need to be on the radar as well, AP reports.

In fact, cocaine was responsible for 14,556 overdose deaths in 2017, a steep increase from 10,375 deaths the previous year. Meth was linked to 10,721 deaths, a number that was also up from the year before.

Now, there’s an added level of concern, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Fentanyl “is increasingly showing up in drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine in California,” the Times reports. Fentanyl is a white, powdery substance, and the Times notes that it’s not clear whether or not the addition of fentanyl to other drugs is intentional or accidental on the part of drug dealers. Either way, it’s concerning, because spiking one drug with another is creating a deadly mixture.

Music producer/rapper Mac Miller overdosed and died from a mixture of alcohol, cocaine and fentanyl on Sept. 7. The Times’ report says that officials can’t be certain how Miller took the fentanyl or if it was mixed with the cocaine, but it raises some red flags.

Fentanyl is lethal, and estimated to be 50 times stronger than heroin, the Times reports. It is sometimes mixed into other drugs to produce a stronger high. The Times notes that the illegal version “can be easily mixed with other drugs without being noticed.”

There is inherent danger any time one ingests an illegal drug. But if dealers are adding fentanyl to other drugs such as cocaine, the risk of overdose or death increases dramatically. And when it comes to fentanyl, it doesn’t take long-term exposure to kill someone — it just takes one dose. Drug abusers may not know fentanyl has been added to the drug either, which compounds the problem.

Given the proximity of Yuma to California, this situation is worrisome, and needs to be on the radar.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?

I just read the guest column by Christine Flowers. I agree with everything she said with the exception of the last couple of sentences. I do not believe that EVERYONE is entitled to citizenship! If you enter this country ILLEGALLY, your children should not automatically benefit from that CRIME by being granted citizenship just because they were born on this soil. I don’t believe the Constitution intended that and if it needs an amendment to correct that, then that’s what needs to happen.

I read the editorial about the new ordinance passed in Chesapeake, Va., regarding trick-or-treating. That anyone over the age of 12 that participated in any trick or treat activity could be fined up to $100 and face a six-month jail term. And all kids have to be off the street by 8 p.m. sharp. Those who aren’t face up to $100 in fines and a 30-day jail term.

I will be 80 in November. When I was 15 or 16, the boys had motor scooters. So we sat behind them, we went all over the valley trick or treating. We had great fun and everyone gave us treats and laughed with us.

Those who vandalize would be punished but I believe they are in the minority.

And I’m sure glad I grew up in Yuma. heard right! For a small investment in placard holders, all the locals and “snowbirds” will know what’s growing in Yuma County and thank you again and again for it! When crops rotate, the grower slides a new printed placard into the holder and “viola!” we all know what’s been planted. I’ve seen it done in California, so I know it can be done here. It’s a great idea, so get with it! Any takers? to America will be hitting us like a curve ball, blindsiding us as to where we will be heading.

I’m speaking of changes with our financial institutions, how we live and many of the freedoms we once knew of, possibly being taken away.

The picture I see down the road is frightening to say the least and it will be catching most Americans off guard. Something which will be affecting every aspect of how we live and what we’ll be expecting down the road. A new way of life which will even boggle the mind of our president.

All I can say is, like him or not. As things begin to occur in the near future, should you have any common sense, you will be grateful that he’s at the helm.

As I see it, every aspect of our lives will be affected, and there will be no running away in hopes of avoiding it.

Know that once a nation tries to abolish the exact foundation our country was built upon, there will be no turning back. My final message is for all Americans to hold on to their hats, being the writing is on the wall.

Where some may cry for the mountains to bury them, in due time. I’ve had visions of this for some time now, and I feel I’ve been handed a warning, over something which none of you have to take my word at. Whew! The elections are over. Fewer phone calls. Less mail wanting money. Nasty ads on television maybe ended?

Just football, cooler weather, and holidays coming.

And, hopefully, no more distractions for the 2020 Presidential election (that is progressing).