Fentanyl Is Now the Deadliest Drug in Pennsylvania
In 2016, more than 4,600 Pennsylvanians died of drug overdose. There was a 37 percent increase over 2015 and nearly 13 fatal overdoses each day. While heroin used to be the top killer in drug overdose cases, fentanyl has now taken its place.
If you’ve been involved in a drug crime related to fentanyl or any other type of drug in Pittsburgh, it is in your best interest to consult our experienced drug crime attorney. Call us today at (412) 281-2146.
What is Fentanyl?
According to research by the University of Pittsburgh and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fentanyl is now the deadliest drug in Pennsylvania. It was developed as a prescription pain medication for cancer patients but is now being made illegally and sold on the street.
There are a variety of signs and symptoms an individual who may be overdosing on fentanyl may display. Some of these signs and symptoms include weak muscles, pinpoint pupils, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, slowed or stopped breathing, and a slowed heartbeat.
Fentanyl is a Problem in Pennsylvania
Sadly, Fentanyl was the drug found in 52 percent of the victims who died of drug overdoses in Pennsylvania in 2016. The 2,395 deaths that were correlated to fentanyl represented an increase of 130 percent from 2015.
Fentanyl was found in 32 percent of fatalities in January 2016 but by December, that number rose significantly to 73 percent. The greatest increase of fentanyl use was found in victims who were between the ages of 15 to 24.
The Drug Enforcement Administration explains that fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous substitute for heroin because it is more potent and often leads to regular overdose that may eventually result in depression or death.
When this drug made its initial debut on the streets in Pennsylvania, many drug users believed it was heroin. It was attractive to drug dealers because it was less expensive than heroin and boosted their profits. These days, drug dealers are promoting fentanyl to drug users rather than disguising it.
Police officers in the state explain that they can’t “arrest” their way out of this Fentanyl overdose problem and may not be able to treat it either. A culture change is what will be necessary to put it to an end.
Governor Tom Wolf stated that the amount of overdose deaths in 2016 coupled with how many deaths fentanyl has caused reinforce the fact that the state of Pennsylvania and the federal government should continue to put resources into drug addiction treatment and expand education and prevention programs.
Contact Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC Today
If you have been charged with a drug crime related to fentanyl, heroin, or any other drug, you should reach out to our Pittsburgh drug crime lawyers. Our firm may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped through a solid defense so that you can avoid the harsh consequences of a drug conviction. Call us today at (412) 281-2146.