San Francisco’s Fentanyl Overdose Crisis
Drug abuse is a problem that has affected the lives of many in the United States. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) drug and alcohol abuse costs the USA almost 600 billion dollars every year and drug overdose deaths are nearing 1 million since 2000. Drug overdose deaths are up 30% year-over-year.
Drug abuse is a complex issue. Currently one of the substances or greatest concern is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Recent numbers show that the fentanyl overdose crisis is worsening, with increasing numbers of individuals dying due to fentanyl use. An alarming increase in overdose deaths has occurred recently in San Francisco. This blog will provide a closer look at fentanyl abuse in SF, why it’s so dangerous and the latest statistics that show how significant this problem has become. We will also explore how drug testing can help alleviate this problem.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than morphine or heroin. Initially developed for medical purposes, it has made its way into the illicit drug market, where it is often mixed with other substances. This dangerous combination of high potency and widespread availability has contributed to the fentanyl overdose crisis across the United States.
Fentanyl’s effects include drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, respiratory depression, and unconsciousness. A fentanyl overdose may result in decreased consciousness or complete unresponsiveness, cold and clammy skin, blue skin or lips, small pupils, and a slow breathing rate.
To effectively combat the drug overdose crisis including fentanyl, we must understand the factors contributing to its rapid escalation. According to UNODC World Drug Report 2023, many factors contribute to the drug abuse crises including:
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 138 million or 50% of people aged 12 and over in the United Stated have illicitly used drugs during their lifetime. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids increased at an annual rate of 580% between 2012 and 2017. Studies have shown fentanyl to be the major contributor of these opioid overdose deaths.
According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been steadily climbing. In 2021, there were over 106,000 drug overdose deaths reported in the United States. 66.6% (70,601) of total overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.
The DEA reported that overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) have increased by 55.6%, emerging as the primary contributor to the overall rise in drug overdose fatalities. 136 people die every day from an opioid overdose in the United States.
Fentanyl-related deaths have been on the rise across the country, but San Francisco has been particularly hard hit. The New York Post reported in August 2023 that San Francisco experienced a shocking surge in overdose deaths. The numbers reached an alarming high, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis.
According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the city documented 810 overdose deaths in 2023, which is a 24.8% increase compared to the previous year. Most deaths were caused by fentanyl overdose.
The city has been implementing innovative solutions to combat the issue. Fortunately, due to San Francisco’s urgent efforts to address the epidemic, overdose deaths have declined during the first three months of 2024.
The Department of Public Health San Francisco is taking crucial steps to improve current conditions. “The department recognizes that the tragic, continuing rise of overdose deaths in San Francisco is unacceptable and we want everyone to know we are responding with urgency and with our full attention,” Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health for the city and county of San Francisco said. “We are doing all we can on multiple fronts to save lives.
To combat the fentanyl overdose crisis comprehensively, the government and the Department of Public Health have implemented various strategies.
One of the critical steps in reducing fentanyl-related overdose deaths is lowering the barriers to drug testing for this lethal drug. Testing for fentanyl has been historically restricted to Forensic Use Only (FUO), meaning that only individuals associated with law enforcement may purchase them.
Accessibility to fentanyl testing has increased since the recent availability of an Over-the-Counter (OTC) Fentanyl Urine Test Cassette to the general public. CLIA-Waived fentanyl test kits are also available for healthcare providers.
Drug testing kits have proven to be effective in preventing and controlling drug abuse. The FDA and NIH have recommended improving and implementing drug testing programs amid this crisis. They have stressed the importance of research and expanding access to innovative, inexpensive and easy-to-use drug-testing technologies to counter drug overdose epidemics.
San Francisco’s fentanyl overdose crisis is a shocking reminder of the urgent need for action. This city is not alone in experiencing an epidemic of fentanyl overdose cases but represents a problem facing most cities and towns throughout our country. This review of the epidemic has highlighted the alarming rise in overdose rates, examined the root causes, identified some of the steps that San Francisco has taken to respond to this crisis and emphasized the role of drug testing in harm reduction efforts.
DrugTestKitUSA is an established supplier of drug testing kits and rapid medical tests. Visit our online store to explore a wide range of accurate and user-friendly drug test kits — including fentanyl test kits.
The AvertD test is a prescription-only genetic test for those 18+ to assess the risk of opioid use disorder using a cheek swab.
The path to recovery is unique for each individual. Rehabs, sober living homes and drug tests contribute to a comprehensive and successful recovery journey.
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