A recent study conducted by NYU Langone, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reveals the alarming dominance of fentanyl in America’s illicit drug market. The escalation has been rapid.
According to data from law enforcement seizures, illicit fentanyl seizures surged over 1700% in the period from 2017 to 2023.
In 2023, fentanyl pills accounted for almost half of all fentanyl seizures, at 49%, a significant increase from 10% in 2017.
About 85% of these seizures are concentrated in the western region of the United States.
Lead researcher Dr. Joseph Palamar noted that while the statistics are staggering, they align with recent trends.
“A few years ago, fentanyl was primarily in powder form. It infiltrated the heroin supply, and then pills surfaced, especially in the Western US, offering a new method of fentanyl consumption,” he explained.
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Palamar emphasized how the introduction of fentanyl in pill form has changed the landscape by making it more accessible to a wider audience. Pills are easier to consume and disguise, potentially leading to unintentional ingestion and overdoses.
“My concern is particularly for young individuals seeking pills like Adderall or Oxy on the black market, unaware of the presence of fentanyl, which even in small doses can be lethal,” Palamar warned.
Rob Sullivan, overseeing drug detox programs in northwestern Washington state, observed the prolonged detox process for fentanyl users, necessitating extended detox stays and facing higher dropout rates due to the challenges posed by fentanyl detoxification.
Sullivan highlighted the unpredictability and potency of fentanyl, making detoxification a daunting task compared to traditional opioids.
Palamar hopes that these findings will drive a more robust emphasis on drug prevention efforts.
“It is crucial for individuals, especially non-fentanyl users, to be educated about the risks associated with fentanyl. Prevention is key to combatting the unintentional exposure and use of fentanyl, particularly among the youth,” Palamar stressed.
