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Opioid Crisis in the USA is growing as the abuse of legal medications, like synthetic opioids, which are just as addictive as illegal drugs and are causing fatal overdoses, becomes an increasing concern. Due in large part to the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is rapidly rising to the top of the drug market, this issue is now also affecting Europe.
Fentanyl is used to alleviate pain in both people and animals, and it is 50 times more potent than heroin. An estimated one million people died in the United States from opioid overdoses between the late 1990s and 2023. Opioids are more difficult to manage since they are legal, which makes it more difficult to identify them than illegal narcotics. They can also be distributed through legal channels. Despite being legal, opioids are highly addictive and can lead to fatal overdoses. The effects of opioids include relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, and sedation, but misuse can lead to serious problems like breathing failure, coma, and even death.
The fatality rate from fentanyl has skyrocketed in Europe, rising by 279% between 2016 and 2021, according to a Europol analysis. It increased from 5.7 fatalities per 100,000 in 2016 to 21.6 deaths per 100,000 in 2021. This demonstrates how quickly the issue is getting worse. Authorities have recently shut down some 400 labs that produce methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other substances.
Drug attitudes in the U.S. and Europe differ, which contributes to the spread of substances like fentanyl. Opioids are frequently prescribed in the United States to treat pain, especially for severe illnesses like cancer. People of all ages are now addicted to opioids as a result of this crisis. The problem is still very small in Europe, but it is getting worse.
Prescriptions for opioids are constantly rising due to their easy accessibility, particularly fentanyl, which has resulted in widespread abuse and dependence. Painkiller, a recent television series, was actually created to draw attention to the risks associated with the opioid crisis.
Governments and organizations must cooperate internationally to combat this issue. In addition to the importance of education, which should begin in schools, the ease with which narcotics may now be purchased online has made situational control even more difficult. Addressing the opioid crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our day; it is on par with the possibility of nuclear war.
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