The Looming Crisis of Fentanyl: A Musician's Perspective

💊Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

🚫Despite efforts to address the opioid crisis, fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate.

🔪Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, without the user's knowledge, leading to unintentional overdoses.

😢The emotional toll of addiction and fentanyl-related deaths is devastating, affecting families and communities nationwide.

✋Lawmakers need to take a proactive approach by addressing both the supply and demand of fentanyl to effectively combat this crisis.

What is fentanyl?

—Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is commonly used as a pain medication. It is highly potent and can be deadly, even in small doses.

How does fentanyl contribute to the opioid crisis?

—Fentanyl has been responsible for a significant increase in opioid-related deaths. Its potency and availability make it a dangerous substance contributing to the epidemic.

What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?

—Signs of a fentanyl overdose include slowed or stopped breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and unconsciousness. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

How can lawmakers address the fentanyl crisis?

—Lawmakers can address the fentanyl crisis by implementing stricter regulations on the production and distribution of fentanyl, increasing access to addiction treatment and recovery services, and raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

What can individuals do to protect themselves from fentanyl?

—Individuals can protect themselves from fentanyl by being cautious about the substances they consume, avoiding illicit drugs, and seeking treatment and support for substance abuse issues.

00:00Jason Deford, also known as Jelly Roll, introduces himself as a musician and expresses his nervousness speaking at a Committee hearing.

00:23Deford highlights the gravity of the fentanyl crisis, with a drug overdose death occurring every five minutes in the United States.

01:00He emphasizes the need to understand addiction as a disease and to address the root causes rather than shame drug addicts.

02:24Deford shares his personal experiences with addiction and the devastating effects it has had on his life and those around him.

03:59He explains the urgency to be proactive in combating the fentanyl crisis and calls for bipartisan efforts in Congress to address both the supply and demand of fentanyl.

05:32Deford urges lawmakers to take the issue of fentanyl to their colleagues and constituents, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and taking action at all levels.