The Devastating Fentanyl Crisis: How it All Began and What's Next

💊The fentanyl crisis is a result of the over-prescription of opioids like OxyContin, which created a population of people already predisposed to addiction.

⚠️Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and is responsible for the majority of drug deaths in many states.

📉The crisis started in states like West Virginia and Tennessee, where pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed opioids to doctors in already vulnerable regions.

🌐The crisis has now spread nationwide, affecting both urban and rural areas, and fentanyl is being found in most of the heroin supply.

🆘The future looks bleak as the crisis continues to claim lives, and comprehensive solutions are urgently needed to address addiction and prevent further overdoses.

What caused the fentanyl crisis?

—The crisis can be traced back to the over-prescription of opioids, particularly drugs like OxyContin, which created a population of people already at risk for addiction.

How powerful is fentanyl compared to other opioids?

—Fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and is responsible for the majority of drug deaths in many states.

Where did the crisis start?

—The crisis started in states like West Virginia and Tennessee, where pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed opioids to doctors in vulnerable regions.

Has the crisis spread to other states?

—Yes, the crisis has spread nationwide, affecting both urban and rural areas. Fentanyl is now being found in the majority of heroin supplies.

What is the outlook for the future?

—The future looks bleak as the crisis continues to claim lives. Comprehensive solutions are urgently needed to address addiction and prevent further overdoses.

00:00The fentanyl crisis is wreaking havoc across the country, causing a surge in overdoses and drug seizures.

02:32The crisis began with the over-prescription of opioids like OxyContin, creating a population already prone to addiction.

09:10West Virginia, an epicenter of the crisis, saw a significant increase in overdose deaths, leading to the spread of fentanyl nationwide.

11:56Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 25 and 44, with over 70% of the heroin supply containing fentanyl.

13:33The crisis has had a devastating impact on individuals and communities, with long-lasting effects on families and society.