The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) has released data showing a 70% increase in overdose
deaths attributed to fentanyl during the first six months of this year in
Washington State.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic
opioid that is used by doctors to treat severe pain. Often applied as a patch
to the skin, fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A dose as
small as 0.25 mg can kill.
In Snohomish County, in 2017, 23
people died from a fentanyl overdose. In 2018, preliminary figures show 34
people died from a fentanyl overdose, a 48% increase. In Washington State, in
the first six months of 2018, 81 people died from fentanyl overdoses while
during the same period in 2017 48 people died from fentanyl overdoses. That
represents a 70% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths.
The Washington State Department of
Health says that the overdoses are the result of taking illicit drugs. Illicit
fentanyl has been found in counterfeit pills that look like prescription
opioids. It has also been found in powders, colored white and other colors,
that could be included in other illicit drugs such as heroin. The fact that
this powerful drug could be included in other street drugs without the
knowledge of the user shows how risky taking illicit drugs has become.
The Washington State Department of
Health wants drug users to know this information so that they can take
precautions. If you have someone in your family or a friend who uses heroin or
illegal opioids, please pass this information to them. The Department of Health
recommends,
·
Seek treatment. Health professionals have been recommending
medication-assisted treatment options for those addicted to opioids. Opioid
users can seek treatment from the Washington Recovery Help Line at (866)
789-1511 or online at http://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/.
·
Carry naloxone. For information on where you can
find naloxone, go to http://stopoverdose.org/section/find-naloxone-near-you/.
·
If you witness an overdose, call 911, give
naloxone and do rescue breathing. Fentanyl may require multiple doses of
naloxone to restore breathing. The law (RCW 69.50.315) says neither the victim
nor persons assisting with an overdose will be prosecuted for drug possession.
·
Never use drugs alone.
·
Be careful about using too fast. Fentanyl is
fast-acting and deadly. Many experienced opioid users have overdosed or died by
using too much, too quickly.
Washington State Department of
Health:
The Seattle Times:
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