In 2016, the CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, released data on the opioid epidemic. For an entire year, the number was haunting. 52,000 people had died of an opioid overdose in 2015. Quickly, the concern regarding the opioid epidemic skyrocketed. Also in 2016, Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, became more well known. Before the drug name made headlines due to the death of world famous recording artists Prince, Fentanyl was gaining attention for the deaths of clusters people around the country. The highly potent drug substance- believed to be up to 100 times more powerful than morphine- was being discovered in black market pills and heroin bags. Suddenly, the synthetic substance was everywhere causing overdose deaths left and right. Regular heroin addicts were terrified of buying their drug of choice for fear of overdosing on Fentanyl. Others became addicted to the substance, eventually losing their life to it. After Fentanyl, there was a string of other synthetic opioids. With each introduction was an increase in potency until finally arrived Gray Death- a combination of synthetic opioids so powerful that an overdose on it could not be reversed by Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug.
Fentanyl overdose grew in numbers one month after the next with some areas of the country being hit with a harder devastation than others. As 2016 ended and data started undergoing analysis, the hope was that the number of opioid deaths had not increased too much. The New York Times released an early estimate in June of 2017 that the number would only have increased by 7,000. Along the way, another shocking fact was released: opioid overdose is now the leading cause of death for adults under the age of 50. Then, the numbers for 2016 were official. 64,000 people died of opioid overdose in 2016 and the use of synthetic opioids like Fentanyl increase by over 500% in just a few years. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the leader in causing opioid overdose.
Thankfully, there are treatment options and life saving drugs available. If someone you know and love is struggling with an opioid addiction, have Narcan on hand and be educated about using it to save their life in the event of an overdose.
If you are struggling with heroin and/or Fentanyl overdose, there is help available.
The Guest House Ocala offers a state of the art detox program and private residential treatment programs for addictions, traumas, and related mental health issues. Our luxury estate and concierge style care create the highest level of comfort possible for you as you build a new life.
Call us today for information: 1-352-812-2780