Did you know according to the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 74,702 people lost their lives to synthetic opioids in 2023? That’s a staggering number, and it highlights just how serious the opioid crisis has become, especially with the surge in accidental overdoses.
As time goes on and new trends emerge, the use of synthetic opioids has peaked. What many people don’t realize is that these drugs can be far more dangerous than others. The scariest part? They can take control of your social life, family and friends, and, in the worst cases, even cost you your life.
So, how can you put an end to this crisis? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back.
In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at synthetic opioids, why they’re becoming a bigger problem, and how they affect us. We’ll also offer helpful tips on how you can support someone struggling with opioid addiction or an overdose. If you or someone you know is facing this crisis, keep reading; there are steps we can all take to make a real difference.
Understanding Synthetic Opioids
No, synthetic opioids aren’t like the typical prescription opiates you’d find at your local pharmacy. These are man-made, powerful drugs that are often much stronger and more dangerous than you might expect. Scientists have created a diverse group of more than 500 different types of synthetic opioids in laboratories.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes them so unique and dangerous:
Definition and Explanation of Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic opioids are man-made substances designed to mimic the effects of natural opioids like morphine and codeine. Unlike their natural counterparts, synthetic opioids are often much more potent and can be significantly more dangerous. These substances come in various forms, including pills, powders, and liquids, and are frequently mixed with other substances, such as heroin, synthetic cannabinoids, and other synthetic opioids.
What makes synthetic opioids particularly perilous is their ability to bind to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing intense feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. However, this same mechanism can also lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression, which can result in overdose and death. The unregulated nature of these drugs means their strength can vary widely, making them highly unpredictable and deadly.
What Makes Synthetic Opioids Different?
Synthetic opioids have the exact acting mechanism as natural opioids, but they are often more potent. They’re made in labs and are much cheaper to produce, which makes them easier to get your hands on. So, why are they so dangerous? Since they’re not regulated, their strength can vary greatly. Consequently, this makes them highly unpredictable and, in some cases, deadly. The increasing use of synthetic opioids has led to significant social harms, including addiction that can result in criminal activities for financial support, disruptions in family life and relationships, and overall deterioration in health and social functioning.
Common Types of Synthetic Opioids
You’ve probably heard of names like fentanyl, carfentanil, and tramadol. These aren’t your average pain relievers; they’re synthetic, artificial opioids. Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, and carfentanil is even more powerful. Just a tiny amount of these drugs can have a massive, dangerous impact on the body, similar to other opiates.
Legal vs. Illicit Opioids
Yes, many of us are familiar with doctors prescribing opioids in a professional setup. However, these aren’t the synthetic opioids we’re talking about. Instead, they’re prescription painkillers with a regulated amount of the drug. Take tramadol, for example); it’s a medication that healthcare providers commonly prescribe as a painkiller.
Nevertheless, not all opioids are like tramadol. Some of these drugs are derived from synthetic sources and mixed with other addictive substances, which is when things get out of hand. Studies have shown that these synthetic opioids are nearly twice as likely to cause a fatal overdose compared to other drugs.
For instance, illegal labs often produce synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil. What makes them even more unpredictable is the fact that they’re usually mixed with other substances. You never know what’s been added, which makes these drugs even more potent and way more risky. Additionally, other opioids, including less common ones like Brorphine-like opioids and synthetic opioids such as MT-45, pose significant public health concerns and highlight the need for naloxone distribution to prevent overdoses.
The Risks and Effects of Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic opioids pose a significant risk to public health due to their high potency and potential for overdose. The effects of these drugs can vary depending on the specific substance, but common effects include:
Euphoria
Drowsiness
Confusion
Nausea
Constipation
Respiratory depression
The long-term consequences of synthetic opioid use are equally alarming. These drugs can lead to addiction, tolerance, and dependence, trapping individuals in a vicious cycle of misuse. Beyond the physical health risks, synthetic opioids can also cause severe social and economic problems. Users may experience disruptions in family life and relationships, poor health and social functioning, and an increased risk of criminal activity.
What Are Synthetic Opioids’ Effects on The Body and Opioid Overdose?
Synthetic opioids can have a range of dangerous effects on the body, especially when taken in large quantities. These effects might include:
An early warning system, such as the one used by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), is crucial for tracking the emergence of novel drugs and reporting their prevalence and potential risks associated with their misuse.
Euphoria
Euphoria is one of the first effects you feel when using synthetic opioids. The moment you take a dose, a rush of good, happy feelings floods your body. It’s this intense emotional high that makes these artificial opioids so addictive. The desire to chase that feeling often leads to taking more and more. And before you know it, you’re trapped in an unstoppable cycle of addiction.
Respiratory Depression
Did you know that in the U.S. alone, nearly 80,000 people die each year from opioid-induced respiratory depression?
Synthetic opioids cause respiratory depression by interfering with the receptors in the brainstem that control breathing. As a result, the brainstem’s response to carbon dioxide decreases, which in turn slows down your breathing rate.
In severe cases, your breathing can slow to dangerously low levels or even stop completely. Without enough oxygen, your body won’t function properly, and if help doesn’t come in time, it can be fatal.
Inhibition of Gastrointestinal Propulsion
One significant side effect of synthetic opioids that often goes unnoticed is their impact on digestion. These drugs can slow down the digestive system, usually leading to severe constipation.
How does this happen? Well, synthetic opioids bind to receptors in your gut. This eventually reduces the muscle contractions needed to move food through your digestive tract. As a result, you can experience discomfort, bloating, and, in more severe cases, painful bowel obstructions.
Coma
In extreme cases, synthetic opioids can also lead to a coma. The brain is susceptible to changes in oxygen levels and other vital signs. Consequently, when your breathing slows down dramatically, your brain can’t get the oxygen it needs to function correctly. This lack of oxygen can cause a loss of consciousness, potentially leading to a coma.
Without immediate medical intervention, the longer the coma lasts, the higher the risk of severe brain damage or death.
Mental Health and Social Consequences of Synthetic Opioid Use
The use of synthetic opioids can have profound mental health and social consequences, including:
Addiction: Synthetic opioids are highly addictive, leading to compulsive use and dependence that can be incredibly difficult to break.
Anxiety and Depression: These substances can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, leading to increased anxiety and depression.
Social Isolation: Individuals using synthetic opioids often withdraw from friends and family, leading to social isolation and loneliness.
Economic Problems: The financial burden of maintaining an opioid addiction can lead to job loss, financial instability, and economic hardship.
These consequences highlight the need for comprehensive support systems to help individuals recover from synthetic opioid addiction and rebuild their lives.
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
The opioid overdose crisis is a public health emergency that the rise of synthetic opioids has significantly worsened. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdose deaths have surged in recent years, with synthetic opioids being a major contributor to this alarming trend.
Statistics and Facts about the Opioid Overdose Crisis
In 2020, over 70,000 opioid overdose deaths were reported in the United States, with synthetic opioids involved in the vast majority of these fatalities.
The opioid overdose crisis is now a leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., surpassing deaths from motor vehicle accidents and gun violence.
Potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil are particularly deadly, significantly increasing the risk of opioid overdose.
Addressing this public health crisis requires immediate action, including increased access to treatment and naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
By understanding the scope and severity of the opioid overdose crisis, we can take the necessary steps to combat this epidemic and save lives.
How Synthetic Opioids Enter Societies?
With how dangerous synthetic opioids can be, you might wonder how they continue to spread throughout communities. Shouldn’t they be banned? Well, the reality is a bit more complicated. These deadly drugs can find their way into the society through:
Illegal Manufacturing and Distribution Channels
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are often produced in unregulated, hidden laboratories. Once made, these substances are distributed through complex, illegal networks, smuggled into communities, and sold on the black market.
Pharmaceutical Misuse
Synthetic opioid use doesn’t always start on the streets—it often begins with legitimate prescriptions. These medications are prescribed by doctors to help manage severe pain, but repeated use can lead to dependency.
Sometimes, individuals might take higher doses than prescribed or share their prescriptions with others. In either case, these drugs can end up in the wrong hands, driving opioid misuse and addiction.
Impact of Online Sales
In today’s digital age, synthetic opioids have found a new and alarming pathway to spread: the internet. For instance, online platforms, including certain websites and hidden dark web marketplaces, facilitate the sale of these drugs with just a few clicks.
Moreover, these channels often bypass regulations, making it difficult for authorities to track transactions. As a result, this easy access makes opioids within reach of more people than ever before, further fueling the addiction.
Possible Solutions to Combat the Crisis
The synthetic opioid crisis is a tough battle, but there’s hope. Here are some key solutions that could help us tackle the problem head-on:
Prevention Programs
The first step in fighting against opioids is prevention. It’s about educating people, especially young adults, about the dangers of synthetic opioids before they ever think about using them.
Schools, communities, and social media campaigns can all play a big part in spreading the message. And the earlier we intervene, the better. Reaching out to those most at risk can help them get the support they need before addiction takes hold.
Legislation and Policy
Strong laws and policies are essential in tackling the synthetic opioid crisis. Governments can implement stricter regulations on prescription opioids and enforce tougher penalties for trafficking synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
Moreover, legislation can also mandate access to addiction treatments and recovery services. Increasing funding for addiction treatment programs and providing insurance coverage can make these services more accessible to everyone.
Furthermore, the government should implement policies to encourage the use of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. This life-saving medication can reverse opioid overdoses, especially when respiratory depression sets in. It’s like a second chance at life for someone who’s overdosed.
Rehabilitation and Support
When it comes to overcoming the opioid crisis, rehab and support systems are crucial. People struggling with addiction need a solid foundation to rebuild their lives. Access to effective treatment programs, like medication-assisted treatment (MAT), can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
However, recovery doesn’t stop at rehab. Long-term support, such as counselling, group therapy, and peer support groups, plays a significant role in helping individuals stay sober. So, if someone in your circle is struggling with addiction, don’t forget the power of support. A simple gesture or even connecting them with support networks can make a difference.
Bridging Healthcare and Treatment Gaps
Despite having advanced solutions, gaps in healthcare and treatment for synthetic opioids still exist today. These gaps make it harder to combat the opioid crisis, leaving many people without the care they need. A major issue is that addiction treatment, especially for synthetic opioids, isn’t always part of regular healthcare.
Many treatment programs lack the resources, staff, or infrastructure to address these challenges effectively. On top of that, the stigma surrounding addiction often stops people from reaching out for help. This results in delays or, in some cases, prevents treatment altogether.
Introducing Methadone Therapy
Another effective way to tackle opioid addiction is through methadone therapy. Methadone is a long-acting medication that helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, this therapy isn’t a quick fix in any way. Nevertheless, combined with counselling and therapy, it becomes a powerful part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Prevention and Support: What Can We Do?
How to Spot the Signs of Opioid Use?
If you’re wondering how to spot opioid use in someone you care about, there are a few signs to look out for:
● Physical Symptoms: They might seem unusually sleepy, have trouble staying awake, or slur their words. Their pupils could be tiny, and they might be more sluggish than usual.
● Behavioral Changes: They’re becoming more secretive or distant. Maybe they’re skipping responsibilities, isolating themselves, or acting differently than they used to.
● Withdrawal Symptoms: If they’re shaking, sweating, or seem unusually irritable, it could mean they’re struggling with withdrawal, a sign they might be dependent on opioids.
Steps for Helping Someone at Risk
If you think someone you know is at risk, here are a few ways to help:
● Talk to Them: Open up a conversation calmly, caringly. Tell them you’re concerned, and ask them how they feel. It’s important to listen and not judge.
● Encourage Professional Help: Let them know that asking for help is okay. Please encourage them to see a doctor, counsellor, or addiction specialist. Many treatments are available, like therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
● Offer Support: Recovery can be tough, so be patient. Check in with them regularly, help them find support groups, and be there through the ups and downs.
● Know When to Act Fast: If you suspect an overdose, don’t hesitate to call emergency services ASAP. Also, having naloxone on hand can be a lifesaver in reversing the effects of synthetic opioids.
Resources for Those Affected
There’s plenty of help available for anyone struggling with opioid addiction. Don’t hesitate to reach out:
● SAMHSA Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a 24/7 confidential helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889. Whether you need guidance or advice on how to help, trained professionals are always available to assist.
● Local Treatment Centers: Many communities have rehab centres where people can receive tailored therapies, counselling, and other treatments. Reach out to these facilities to learn more about their programs and how they can support your loved one’s recovery.
● Online Support Groups: Online communities can be invaluable for seeking advice or emotional support. These groups allow you to connect with others who understand the challenges of supporting someone with an opioid use disorder.
Confronting the Synthetic Opioid Public Health Crisis: Take Steps Toward a Safer Future Today
The synthetic opioid crisis is a serious matter, but the good news is that it does have a solution. By educating our communities to implement firm policies and supporting those struggling with addiction, we can combat this epidemic.
Each of us has a role, whether raising awareness, offering help, or advocating for better treatment access. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those affected by this devastating crisis.
Are you looking for guidance, counseling, or simply a listening ear? Our team is here to support you! Book a free consultation today or call 08000-380-480 to speak with a specialist who understands your needs.
