As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to shake up the world, one of the many ripple effects is the rise in fentanyl overdoses. The thing is — many people using it don’t even know they are using it. Statistics on drug overdose deaths are higher than ever, and drug dealers are starting to be held criminally accountable for lacing the drugs they are selling. Keep reading to learn more about the rise in fentanyl overdoses, how it is happening, what is being done, and how to get help from luxury rehab facilities.
Statistics on Fentanyl Overdoses
- From May 2020 through April 2021, more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in the US, according to provisional data released Wednesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- This is a near-30% rise from the same period a year earlier and a near-doubling over the past five years.
- The drug epidemic grew in tandem with the Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed about 509,000 deaths in the same period.
- Synthetic opioids like fentanyl — a painkiller 50-100 times more potent than morphine — accounted for the bulk of those drug overdose deaths: around 64,000.
- The latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that between May 2020 and April 2021, nearly two-thirds (64%) of the more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the country were tied to illicitly manufactured fentanyl or its chemical cousins.
- These deaths “increased sharply in Midwestern states (33.1%), Southern (64.7%), and Western (93.9%) jurisdictions,” according to a CDC report summarizing data from July 2019 through December of 2020.
How is it Happening?
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug that acts quickly. According to the CDC, pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States.
It has a similar effect to heroin. As such, it is added to heroin and cocaine to increase its effectiveness, often without the user knowing. This quickly leads to overdose and death because a lethal dosage of fentanyl is only about 2 milligrams. This, in combination with the rise in drug and alcohol abuse due to the pandemic, is contributing to the significant increase in fentanyl overdose deaths. Help is available through luxury rehab facilities for individuals who are currently abusing drugs so that they don’t accidentally overdose on fentanyl.
What is Being Done?
According to a report by CNN, the Biden administration notes it put $4 billion in funding from the Covid-19 relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan, toward combating overdose deaths, including expanding services for substance use disorder and mental health. Biden told reporters Wednesday his administration is also “working to make health coverage more accessible and affordable for all Americans so that more people who need care can get it.”
In addition, black market drug dealers who are found to be in connection with a fentanyl-related drug overdose death can be found criminally responsible for the individual’s death. Second-degree murder charges can be filed and result in 17 years to life in prison.
Getting Help from Luxury Rehab Facilities
Most people who overdose from fentanyl don’t even know they are taking it. This makes it a terrifying time to be addicted to drugs. If you or a loved one needs help overcoming drug addiction to avoid an accidental fentanyl overdose, luxury rehab facilities like The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center can help.
We can help treat:
- Prescription drug addiction such as Benzodiazepine Use Disorder, Xanax Use Disorder, Ambien Use Disorder, or Hydrocodone Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder
- Cocaine Use Disorder
- Heroin Use Disorder
- Opiate Use Disorder
- Marijuana Use Disorder
- Methamphetamine Use Disorder
- Hallucinogens Use Disorder
- Co-Occurring Disorders such as Anxiety, PTSD, Chronic Pain, and more
Treatment at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center
One of The Pointe Malibu’s key differentiators is our understanding of your need for a comfortable space where you can concentrate on yourself and your road to recovery. As such, we optimize your recovery potential amid ultra-luxurious surroundings that include custom-appointed residences on the sands of Malibu with panoramic oceanfront views. Just as impressive is the level of care we offer with personal, individualized treatment plans tailored specifically to your unique needs and personality. From our concierge-style service to our highly acclaimed therapists and doctors, we are here to make your recovery as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
You can look forward to:
- Medically-Assisted Detox. We are IMS-certified for this service, ensuring the finest in licensed medical supervision. You will be monitored around the clock and given medication to help aid in your detox, ensuring your comfort and safety.
- Personalized Treatment. Receive at least 5 to 8 individual sessions per week, each uniquely customized for you , as well as family sessions, group sessions, holistic therapy, and much more.
- Pillars of Support. Benefit from 4 different support mechanisms that sustain you long after your discharge, including clinical, family, referrer, and personal growth alliances.
If you’re ready to start your journey to long-lasting recovery and avoid an accidental fentanyl overdose, we are here for you.
