New Law Bans Fentanyl-Related Drugs To Curb Opioid Abuse

Published on May 31, 2023

A new fentanyl-related drug law has wide-ranging implications and may help reduce opioid abuse in the United States. Some critics say that the law goes too far and that other harm reduction measures may be more effective.

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The United States currently faces a devastating opioid crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and ruined communities throughout the nation.

In response to this public health issue, lawmakers have recently passed a new law targeting fentanyl-related drugs, aiming to curb opioid abuse and save lives.

There are several implications for this new fentanyl law as well as concerns surrounding its implementation.

People seeking recovery from opioid addiction can find an array of substance abuse treatment services at a rehab facility.

How The New Law Would Affect Fentanyl-Related Drugs

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has played a significant role in the rise of opioid overdose deaths in recent years.

The HALT Fentanyl Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to curb overdose deaths from illegal fentanyl-laced substances.

The new law would impose strict regulations on fentanyl-related drugs and would criminalize the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of these substances.

Supporters of the legislation say that the law would hold drug traffickers accountable by levying severe criminal penalties as well as making it harder to access these dangerous substances.

Concerns Regarding The New Fentanyl Drug Law

While the HALT Fentanyl Act may help limit access to fentanyl and dissuade criminals from producing the drug, some advocacy groups argue that the law may go too far.

Critics of the law argue that focusing solely on punitive measures may not address the root causes of addiction and may lead to pushing the drug market toward more dangerous alternatives.

Additionally, the law does not include an option to reschedule or remove fentanyl-related drugs that research shows do not meet Schedule I standards.

Striking a balance between law enforcement and addiction treatment services is crucial for long-term success in the battle against opioid abuse.

Fentanyl Drug Overdose Death Rates

The rates of drug overdoses have risen steadily over the past two decades, with a sharp uptick in recent years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 107,622 overdose deaths in 2021, over 70,000 of which were attributable to illegal fentanyl.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attributes more deaths to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl than any other cause of death including heart disease, cancer, and homicide.

Other Effective Harm Reduction Measures

Below are some of the most effective tactics in reducing opioid overdose deaths and increasing access to drug addiction treatment services.

Increase Access To Overdose Reversal Treatments

Expanding access to overdose reversal treatments such as naloxone may help reduce fentanyl-related deaths.

This life-saving medication can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and should be readily available to first responders, healthcare professionals, and people who use opioids.

Develop Programs To Help Reduce Addiction Stigma

Addressing addiction stigma is a critical step in battling the opioid crisis.

Educating the public, healthcare personnel, and policymakers about addiction as a chronic health condition is essential.

Empathy and understanding for people facing addiction may empower them to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Facilitate The Use Of Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips offer a valuable harm reduction tool by allowing people to check the presence of fentanyl-laced cocaine, methamphetamine, or other illicit drugs.

These test strips can potentially reduce the risk of accidental fentanyl overdose by enabling people to test their drugs before use.

Signs Of Opioid Drug Addiction

If you think that a loved one may be abusing drugs, you may be wondering how to spot fentanyl addiction and other opioid use disorders.

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral signs of opioid abuse may include slurred speech, frequent absences from work or school, an inability to take care of daily responsibilities, and social withdrawal.

Physical Signs

The physical signs of opioid abuse may be noticeable within minutes of using the substance.

Physical symptoms include:

constricted pupils
drowsiness
insomnia
agitation
decreased motor skills

Opioid Drug Paraphernalia

Opioid drugs may be snorted, injected, rectally inserted, or smoked.

You may notice paraphernalia around the house such as needles, syringes, glass pipes, razor blades, counterfeit prescription pills, rolled-up dollar bills, or hollowed-out pen tubes.