Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by 2626robert
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, up to 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Initially developed in the 1960s for pain management in medical settings, fentanyl is prescribed legally in very controlled doses for severe pain, often post-surgery or for cancer patients. However, its potency and addictive potential have led to a severe public health crisis as fentanyl is also manufactured and distributed illegally. Often mixed with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge, even a minuscule amount of fentanyl can be lethal.
Its widespread abuse is linked to increasing overdose deaths, particularly in the U.S., as accidental overdoses have surged due to fentanyl’s prevalence in counterfeit pills and unregulated products.