The introduction of Fentanyl into the UK’s Heroin market has had a devastating impact on the number of opioid-related deaths in England and Wales. The past few years have seen a breakout of Fentanyl-related deaths especially across the North East of England. Today the drug is now widely available across the UK and has filtered down to London and Southern areas of England as well as Wales.
The National Crime Agency’s report on Fentanyl states:
“We do not fully understand why fentanyl is being introduced as an additive to heroin, to what extent users are aware of the addition, or whether there is an emerging demand for it. US and Canadian analysis suggested that the introduction of fentanyl into their heroin markets led to rising demand and profit margins, but the UK market differs from North America and we have not seen any evidence to date of UK heroin users demanding fentanyl-laced heroin.”
What Is Fentanyl? Understanding Synthetic Opioids
Fentanyl is a very powerful synthetic (man-made) opiate drug, which is gram-for-gram between 50 and 100 times stronger than heroin. In medicine, it is used as an anaesthetic as well as a strong pain killer for treating severe pain caused by major trauma or surgery, and chronic pain, especially in cancer patients. It offers significant pain relief for conditions where other opioids may not be effective. Fentanyl is also used to treat patients under strict medical supervision, ensuring it is prescribed for those with severe or chronic pain conditions who require its potent effects for pain management. Normally in the form of patches, it is also used as an anaesthetic and sedative by vets. Fentanyl is usually also only prescribed in the most severe cases of pain and then only under severe medical supervision. It is also used overseas to medically treat the end of life patients with terminal cancer.
Easily Obtainable Online and On The Street
Sadly, the drug is easily available on the Dark Web, an internet network of highly untraceable and hidden websites, blogs and forums. Buying drugs such as Fentanyl and so-called “Legal Highs” can be done with just a few clicks.
In recent years, the drug has been manufactured in illegal labs in Mexico and China. Often, it is used to cut heroin without the user’s knowledge, leading to up to 47,000 US deaths in 2014. The drug is now taking a strong hold in the UK.
What’s even more disturbing is that drug dealers are now adding the drug to more common street drugs, including cocaine, fake Xanax, and fake Valium, to boost their effectiveness. This practice involves mixing Fentanyl with other drugs and illicit drugs, significantly increasing the risks of contamination and the dangers of unknowingly consuming Fentanyl-laced drugs. The involvement of drug dealers in mixing Fentanyl with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA is done to increase their profits, highlighting the significant role of illicit Fentanyl in driving overdose deaths. Furthermore, the danger extends to counterfeit pills made to resemble legitimate prescription opioids, containing lethal doses of Fentanyl with no official oversight or quality control.
Fentanyl and Heroin-Related Opioid Overdose Deaths in The UK
The added strength of Fentanyl to street Heroin means that, by taking the same amount of Heroin that they are tolerant to, the mixture of the two drugs instantly causes overdose and death if immediate medical treatment is not received. Fentanyl affects the brain by binding to opioid receptors, areas that control pain and emotions, leading to a high risk of addiction as the brain adapts, diminishing its sensitivity and making it hard to feel pleasure from anything besides the drug.
The withdrawal from Fentanyl is so awful and life-threatening, that if an opiate addict tolerates it, they are likely to return to the same dealer again and again in order to get the required Class A opiate strength in order to sustain their addiction and avoid the horrific withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms from Fentanyl underscore the discomfort and difficulty of stopping its use, with medicines and devices developed to aid in easing these symptoms during detoxification.
Using Fentanyl that is illicit and non-prescribed really is dancing with the devil.
Using illicit Fentanyl and Heroin causes many deaths through unintentional overdose; the stats speak for themselves:
Treatment for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Prescription Opioids Addiction
If you are a Heroin addict, it is vital that you access life-saving treatment immediately to address the severe form of substance use disorder you are facing. Addiction to Heroin and Fentanyl is a clear indication of a substance use disorder, characterized by an inability to control drug use despite its harmful consequences, including severe withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking Heroin that is laced with Fentanyl, the need for treatment becomes even more pressing due to the heightened risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and the challenges associated with overcoming this level of addiction.
A non-medically assisted withdrawal from Heroin is extremely unpleasant and, while there is a definite danger of life-threatening symptoms developing, it rarely kills. Withdrawal from Fentanyl is an entirely different matter; withdrawals can and do kill, making it imperative to seek medical help if you wish to quit the drug.
Fentanyl Detox and Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
The safest place to detox from Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, within a drug rehab, where you will not only receive high levels of medical support but also counselling and therapies that will support your ongoing recovery. Illicitly made Fentanyl can be distributed in various forms, including as nasal sprays, posing significant risks due to its potency and the ease with which it can be mixed with other substances.
Detoxing from Heroin or Fentanyl is only the beginning; a relapse on either or both is what often causes overdose due to reduced tolerance levels from a period of abstinence.
It is paramount that you undergo a full drug rehabilitation treatment programme in order to stay clean and rebuild your life from scratch.
If you or a loved one have an addiction to Heroin or Fentanyl and want help to stop, please call us for immediate life saving and affordable drug rehab treatment.
There is a life beyond Heroin and Fentanyl, there is a way out. Call us today.
