Is Fentanyl Abuse Still a Concern?
Fentanyl and fentanyl abuse are a huge concern here in the United States. We are getting calls daily for fentanyl drug testing. The DEA states “Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”
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Drug Test For Fentanyl – Testing Locations Throughout The United States
Drug testing facilities are testing for this powerful drug, and with good reason – fentanyl is more than 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. While it was created to help manage pain in patients, fentanyl abuse is rapidly growing among even recreational drug users. Frequently used in cocktails which blend heroin and other drugs with fentanyl, this powerful drug is more of a widespread problem than ever before.
Fentanyl is coming across the border and is very inexpensive. It is being added to other drugs and the users are not always aware they are taking fentanyl. This leads to many accidental overdoses and death. Two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose – one pill can kill.
The Rapid Growth of Fentanyl Abuse
In fact, starting in 2016, fentanyl overtook oxycodone and heroin as the primary cause of drug overdose deaths in the US. And since 2011, it has held a position in the top 10 drugs. And in 2017, more than 28,000 deaths were directly linked to the use of opioids including fentanyl. As such, drug testing facilities are always working to help identify this compound and keep employers and others protected during the hiring process. The last few years starting in 2020 with the border crisis, the fentanyl abuse problem has exploded. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have their hands full with their efforts to stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl, its precursors, and analogs from entering the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2022, 110,511 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and poisoning, with almost 70 percent of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Today, more overdose deaths in the USA are caused by fentanyl and fentanyl cocktails than any other drug on the market. In short, fentanyl is still a major concern for anyone. Not only does fentanyl abuse have a negative impact on the lives of millions due to its effect on addicts and their families, but it can bring very serious consequences to employers who hire addicts as well. In 2003, the DEA seized more than 23.9 lethal doses of fentanyl. This included more than 78.4 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.
Testing for Fentanyl Use and Abuse at Work
In order to help manage, prevent, and reduce the issues related to fentanyl abuse, it’s important to know who is using and when. For employers accessing drug testing facilities that offer immediate testing can help make it easier to hire with confidence and to ensure that your employees maintain a drug-free lifestyle. National Drug Screening can add fentanyl testing to your drug screening panel with locations all across the United States.
While increased public education, raising awareness, and reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse, including fentanyl, will be key to keeping this problem under control, there will always be some who continue to struggle with their addiction. Testing is the first step towards protecting yourself and those around you.
Order Online Today or Call 866-843-4545
Drug Test For Fentanyl – Testing Locations Throughout The United States
Learn More About the Drug Fentanyl:
An Overview of the Fentanyl Drug Test
Dangerous Drug Causing Fatal Overdoses
Does Fentanyl show up on a drug test for work?
