Fentanyl Is An Epidemic In Gwinnett | Good Morning Gwinnett

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The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across the United States, and Gwinnett County, Georgia is no exception.

Fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than heroin or morphine, has been wreaking havoc in the county.

Tasha Edwards’ family was one of many shattered by fentanyl after her daughter’s tragic overdose death. She invited cameras into her home for the first episode of Upfront Gwinnett: Fighting Fentanyl, recounting the agonizing loss of her child to this dangerous drug.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 150 people die every day in the United States from overdoses involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It has become a leading cause of overdose fatalities in recent years.

Gwinnett County leaders described firsthand the troubling rise in fentanyl overdoses they are witnessing locally. The county medical examiner reported a nearly 300% increase in fentanyl deaths from 2018 to 2021.

In response to the crisis, Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson announced in September 2022 a new initiative to aggressively prosecute drug dealers linked to fentanyl overdoses. The office plans to utilize the drug dealer liability act and charge these dealers with felony murder when possible under Georgia law.

Fentanyl Drug Dealers Will Be Prosecuted

Austin-Gatson expressed the urgency of prosecuting those responsible for spreading this lethal drug, saying “We have to do everything in our power to stop the influx of fentanyl into Gwinnett County and hold those accountable who peddle it.”

Tasha Edwards and other advocates hope increased awareness and prosecution efforts can help curb the tragic loss of life to fentanyl poisoning in their community. But they emphasize that wraparound support and treatment opportunities are also crucial to overcoming the epidemic.

The Deadly Dilemma: Unveiling the Lethal Power of Fentanyl

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has become a grim poster child for the opioid crisis that has plagued nations worldwide. Its notoriety stems from its unparalleled potency and the devastating consequences it brings in its wake. Clocking in at 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and up to 50 times more potent than heroin, fentanyl’s extraordinary strength is the key factor behind its lethality.

The potency of fentanyl is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides rapid relief from severe pain, making it invaluable for medical purposes. However, this same potency, when misused or abused, becomes a deadly weapon. Just a few grains of fentanyl can trigger a fatal overdose, making it a ticking time bomb for unsuspecting users.

What makes fentanyl even more treacherous is its ability to hide in other substances, often without the user’s knowledge. Dealers frequently mix it with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills, creating a lethal cocktail. Users are left unaware of the potent fentanyl lurking within, increasing the risk of overdose.

The speed of onset and the intensity of fentanyl’s effects further contribute to its deadliness. Users can quickly slip into a state of respiratory depression, where breathing becomes slow and shallow, leading to oxygen deprivation and, in many cases, death. This makes it challenging for bystanders to intervene in time.

Moreover, fentanyl’s chemical structure allows it to easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier, leading to a rapid onset of euphoria, which increases the risk of addiction. This addictive nature compounds the problem, as users chase the fleeting high, often spiraling deeper into addiction and increasing their exposure to potential overdose.

In conclusion, fentanyl’s deadly reputation is rooted in its unparalleled potency, ability to hide in other substances, rapid onset of effects, and high risk of addiction. To combat this crisis, a comprehensive approach is essential, including increased awareness, improved access to addiction treatment, and enhanced efforts to curtail its illicit production and distribution. Only through a collective effort can we hope to mitigate the deadly impact of this powerful opioid.