Fentanyl Crisis in USA and Related Health Risks

Context: Recently, the US President said his administration was discussing a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports as fentanyl is being sent from China to the US via Mexico and Canada.

About Fentanyl

• Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used as an analgesic (pain reliever) and anaesthetic.
• It is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
• Health Risks:
  • Overdoses can cause: Pupil size changes, Cyanosis (blue skin due to lack of oxygen), Respiratory failure leading to death etc.
• Other Opioids: Oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin etc. They cause euphoria and pain relief but are highly addictive.
• Highly Addictive Nature:
  • Opioids provide instant relief, but the effect wears off quickly, leading to frequent use and addiction.
  • Many people start with prescription opioids and later move to stronger illicit drugs like fentanyl.

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