Why Does Fentanyl Exist Despite Its Dangers?
Pain is, well, a pain. Triangle Bob knows that all too well. Thankfully, scientists have discovered medicines to help alleviate pain. Thanks to these medicines, Triangle Bob can now go back to his other job at the firework factory. These pain relievers, called analgesics, include over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, which reduce inflammation, and prescription opioids like fentanyl, which can change your brain’s perception of pain. Let’s focus on that last one.
The Origins of Fentanyl and Why It Was Created
Hey there, welcome to Life Noggin! You’ve probably heard of fentanyl; it’s been making headlines for years now. Overdoses caused by this synthetic opioid have skyrocketed recently, leading many to wonder: if it’s such a societal danger, why does it exist in the first place?
Fentanyl was created in 1960 by scientists searching for a safer, more powerful alternative to the available opioids at the time, like morphine and methadone. These drugs took a while to kick in because they had trouble penetrating the central nervous system. Scientists focused on developing an opioid that could get in more easily, leading to the creation of fentanyl—an opioid about 100 times more potent than morphine and the fastest-acting and safest opioid of its time.
The Rise of Fentanyl for Pain Management—and Its Risks
Initially, fentanyl was administered by injection, but in the 1990s, less invasive methods like adhesive patches and lozenges became available. These new delivery systems made fentanyl useful for managing chronic pain, recovery from surgery or injury, cancer treatment, and end-of-life care. Unfortunately, they also made it easier to misuse.
In addition to pain relief, opioids like fentanyl produce a feeling of euphoria. But too much can cause respiratory issues, unconsciousness, or even death. Like many addictive drugs, using opioids repeatedly causes the brain to adapt, making it harder to feel pleasure from anything except the drug. And fentanyl was designed to be extremely powerful: it’s about 50 times more potent than heroin.
Illicit Fentanyl and the Opioid Crisis
Fentanyl misuse has taken many forms, from misusing prescriptions to illegally selling prescriptions and making illicit versions. Illicit fentanyl, often the most dangerous form, can be sold as powders, nasal sprays, or even pills designed to look like real prescription drugs.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has found counterfeit pills containing more than twice the lethal dose of fentanyl, with 42% of tested pills containing at least 2 mg of the drug. Because fentanyl is so potent, drug dealers often mix it with other drugs to create a cheaper high, contributing to an alarming increase in fentanyl-related deaths. In 2021, over 70,000 people in the United States overdosed on fentanyl, with many cases involving heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or benzodiazepines mixed with fentanyl.
Understanding the Dangers and Staying Safe
The scary thing about fentanyl is that you could take a pill without knowing it contains fentanyl or how much it contains. This is why it’s essential to understand these dangers to stay safe.
In the U.S., fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a recognized medical use but also a high potential for abuse and is considered dangerous. Let me know in the comments if you’d like a video on drug classification systems in the U.S. It’s a fascinating topic that many people don’t know about. Or, if there’s another drug you’d like me to cover next, drop your suggestion below!
Support Each Other in the Comments
A quick note: Some people might share personal stories and experiences with fentanyl in the comments. Please be kind and offer support, encouragement, and understanding.
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As always, my name is Blocko, this has been Life Noggin, and don’t forget to keep on thinking!
Sources for this video:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health…
https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5…
https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-a…
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/dru…
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/fil…
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/…
https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/…
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