Category Archives: Drug Abuse

Understanding the Deadly Dangers of Fentanyl Use

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Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its alarming prevalence and deadly consequences. While originally developed for medical use as a pain reliever, illicit fentanyl use has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to a surge in overdose deaths and devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike. Understanding the dangers of fentanyl use is crucial in addressing this urgent public health crisis.

Potency

Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and significantly more potent than heroin. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can cause severe respiratory depression, leading to overdose and death. Due to its potency, fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.

Risk

The misuse of fentanyl and its analogs has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were involved in nearly 75% of all opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the opioid epidemic and prevent further loss of life.

Hidden in Street Drugs

One of the most significant dangers of fentanyl use is its clandestine presence in street drugs. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase potency or extend the drug’s supply. However, without proper dosage control or awareness of fentanyl’s presence, individuals who use these drugs are at high risk of unintentional overdose and death.

Increased Risk of Addiction:

The addictive nature of opioids, including fentanyl, poses a significant risk to individuals who use these substances recreationally or as prescribed. Continued use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to stop using the drug without professional help. Moreover, the withdrawal symptoms associated with fentanyl cessation can be severe and contribute to relapse.

Addressing the dangers of fentanyl use requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement efforts. Public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the risks of fentanyl use, providing naloxone training and distribution, and expanding access to evidence-based treatment options are essential components of an effective response.

Recognizing the dangers of fentanyl use and implementing comprehensive strategies to address the opioid epidemic are critical steps in saving lives and mitigating the impact of this deadly crisis.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Drug Overdose Deaths.” 2021.

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Fentanyl DrugFacts.” 2020.

3. Drug Enforcement Administration. “Fentanyl.” 2022.

4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” 2021.

CJ Crawford

DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

Know Your Facts

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Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to be aware of the facts surrounding these substances in order to make an informed decision about their use. What better time to provide our community with facts concerning drug and alcohol abuse than National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, Monday, March 18, to Sunday, March 24, 2024? 

One of the most alarming facts about drugs and alcohol is their impact on physical health. Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, leading to risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sexual practices. They can also have long-term effects on the brain, causing memory loss, cognitive impairment, and addiction. Furthermore, experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age can hinder proper brain development and increase the likelihood of developing substance abuse disorders later in life. Unfortunately, for most youth today, health problems that occur years down the road is not preventative measure that will deter youth from experimenting. 

Experimenting with drugs today is vastly different from decades past. In the 1960s and 70s, drug experimentation was often seen as a rebellious act against societal norms, with substances like LSD and marijuana being popular choices. Today, however, drug experimentation is more dangerous than ever due to the rise of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and bath salts. Fentanyl and bath salts are often much more potent and unpredictable than their natural counterparts, leading to a higher risk of overdose and death, leaving families and communities devastated.  Our community takes an especially hard hit because Texas is a national distribution center for illicit drugs. Drug traffickers commonly smuggle illicit drugs into and through the state. Drug traffickers generally use Interstates 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35, as well as U.S. Highways 59, 77, 83, and 281 as primary routes for transporting drugs throughout Texas from Mexico. 

We must work together to prevent access to illegal drugs by children. It is crucial to educate ourselves about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse to protect ourselves and educate our youth about the risks and consequences of drug use.  Drug Free Greenville is a vital program aimed at combating substance abuse and addiction in our community by providing education, prevention, and treatment resources.  This program seeks to create a safer and healthier environment for all residents of Greenville. One of the key components of the Drug Free Greenville programs is its focus on early intervention and educating young people about the dangers of drug use and providing them with alternative coping mechanisms, so we can prevent substance abuse before it starts. Additionally, the program offers support by connecting individuals to resources such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services. 

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to live a healthy and sober life but that decision is easier when you know the facts.

Karla Meeks

Drug Free Greenville Public Education Committee

Marketing Manager of the Mental Health Clinic of Greenville

Explaining “Self-Medication” to Kids

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Self-medication is when someone tries to make themselves feel better by using things like alcohol or illegal drugs. You know how when you have a headache, you might take medicine to feel better? Well, sometimes people use things like alcohol or drugs to try to feel better emotionally, not just physically. But the problem is, it doesn’t really work the same way.

Imagine you’re feeling sad or upset because of something happening in your life, like problems at school or with friends. Instead of talking to someone or finding healthy ways to cope, some people might choose to drink alcohol or use drugs to forget about their feelings or feel happier. They think it will help them feel better, at least for a little while.

But the thing is, using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings isn’t a good idea. It might make you feel better for a short time, but it can make things worse in the long run. In the first place, it’s not a real fix.  Just like putting a band-aid on a broken arm won’t really help, using alcohol or drugs to numb your feelings won’t fix what’s really bothering you. It might seem like it helps at first, but those feelings will still be there when the effects wear off.

More importantly, it can be dangerous! Alcohol and drugs can make you feel dizzy, sick, or even make you pass out. They can also mess with your brain and body, especially if you’re still growing and developing. Using them when you’re not supposed to or in large amounts can be really risky and lead to even more problems. It can affect your relationship with your family and friends, your schoolwork, and even your health. Plus, if you rely on alcohol or drugs to cope, it can be hard to stop using them later.

Instead of turning to alcohol or drugs, it’s important to find healthy ways to deal with your feelings. Talking to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or counselor, can really help. You can also try things like exercise, drawing, writing, or listening to music to help you feel better.

Remember, it’s okay to feel sad, stressed, or angry sometimes. Everyone goes through tough times. But using alcohol or drugs to try to escape those feelings isn’t the answer. It’s important to find healthy ways to cope and get the support you need when you’re feeling down. You’re not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help.

CJ Crawford – DrugFree Greenville Board Member

DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

Intoxication is More Than Alcohol: Drive High. Get a DWI!

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Everyone knows that “buzzed driving” is drunk driving, but what about driving high? The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Watch UR BAC team is spreading the word that it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, including drugs.

In 2020, 56 percent of drivers involved in serious injury and fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. This is why it is so important to spread this life-saving message: Drive High. Get a DWI. It does not matter what term is used—high, buzzed, stoned, wasted, or drunk—no one should get behind the wheel impaired. Think being high will not affect a person’s driving? That is wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.


Marijuana is not the only drug that will cause this kind of impairment. Multiple other illegal
drugs can cause slowed reaction time, drowsiness, blurred vision, poor balance, and other
deficiencies, which will impact a driver from being able to safely operate a vehicle.
If selected to be a designated driver, stick to the plan: Do not use drugs (legally or illegally
obtained). For all drivers, the best defense against impaired drivers on the road is their seatbelt. Wear it on every trip, and make sure all passengers are also buckled up.

Drug-impaired driving is a big problem. It is deadly, illegal, and a rising challenge for law
enforcement. Although a lot of focus on impaired driving is centered around holidays, make no mistake, it happens every day on Texas roadways. If any type of drug is being taken, whether it is prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal, pass the keys to a sober friend. Remember: A DWI applies to more than just alcohol. No matter what kind of drug has been used, if someone feels different it will make them drive differently.

Remember these safety tips and spread the message to friends and family members:
● If using an impairing substance (such as marijuana), do not drive. Passengers should
never ride with an impaired driver. If a driver appears that they may be impaired, do not
get in the car with them.
● If planning to use drugs, plan ahead for a sober driver to safely drive to the destination.
Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a
vehicle. It is never OK to drive while impaired by any substance.
● Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Take
caution before driving after using any medication.
● Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and
arrange to get them home safely. Do not worry about offending someone—they will be
thankful later.
● If available, use the community’s sober ride program.
● If an impaired driver is suspected on the road, call 911 immediately when it is safe to do
so.