Anne Arundel drug crisis gets worse every day

I am a student at a private Catholic school in Anne Arundel County. I am addressing the drug crisis that is building each day in our county. I would like to bring attention to the most devastating piece of the drug puzzle. Opioid and fentanyl use in the county has reached epic levels. Unfortunately, the introduction of fentanyl has made recreational drug use a fatal decision. Fentanyl is commonly used as a large animal or horse tranquilizer, but when used improperly, the results are deadly or life-changing. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

These drugs do not discriminate against race, gender, age, or economic status. They touch our entire community. For example, a severe sports injury in high school could require pain medication to be prescribed by a physician. The patient could become addicted to the opioid, which is often part of the pain management process, and could start taking the medication when it is not needed. Once they are no longer able to legally take the medication, they look to find the same feeling, and sadly, they trend toward heroin because of its cheapness and accessibility. Poor decision-making as it relates to any recreational drug use can have not only have rippling effects on the user, but on their loved ones and community as well.

As a high school student, I am worried about what will happen to my peers if this problem isn’t stopped. As I’m sitting at my desk in school, I look to my left and right. I’m nervous that one day I might not see the people next to me anymore because of this problem.

Addy Walden, Annapolis