By YOLI ACOSTA
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, is quietly but relentlessly fueling an overdose crisis across America. Originally developed in 1959 as a fast-acting painkiller, fentanyl has since found its way into the illegal drug trade—with devastating consequences.
Increasingly, fentanyl is being mixed into heroin, oxycodone, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. Often, users have no idea they’re ingesting it. Its low cost—sometimes less than $2 per dose—makes it attractive to dealers, even at the cost of human lives. The result? Over 100,000 fatal overdoses per year.
Fentanyl comes in many forms, including:
• Powder
• Blotter paper
• Eye drops
• Nasal sprays
• Transdermal patches
• Counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications
When used illicitly, fentanyl can produce a range of effects:
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Deep relaxation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Confusion
• Respiratory depression
• Loss of consciousness
• Death. Even a tiny miscalculation in dose can be lethal.
We must stop hiding this crisis. Our loved ones are dying. Silence enables tragedy. It’s time to speak out, seek help, and support those in recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-662-7474 or text 7474. You are not alone—your life is worth saving.
