Unseen Dangers: How Street Drugs Are Becoming More Lethal
Street drugs have become more dangerous and deadly over the past several years. The ongoing drug crisis was responsible for an estimated 107,543 American deaths in 2023 compared to 67,367 in 2018. Seventy percent of the 2023 deaths were related to fentanyl use, and thirty percent to other synthetic stimulants. Fentanyl and other synthetic drug seizures by law enforcement have also increased. By the end of 2022, more than 35 million fentanyl pills were seized, compared to 289,000 in 2018.
The illegal drug market has become more efficiently lethal with a move away from plant-derived drugs toward stronger synthetic drugs. Compared to plant-derived drugs, synthetic drugs are more easily made, don’t require growing and harvesting time, and don’t need as many workers to mix and manufacture the drugs. Drug cartels have partnered with chemical companies for an array of synthetic ingredients to manufacture cheaper drugs and combinations of drugs. Drug traffickers use technology to advertise and sell products, recruit and train couriers, and deliver to customers with no face-to-face contact, making it harder for law enforcement to trace.
The increased amount of stronger synthetic drugs on the street has led to a substantially increased risk of drug overdose. People may buy a drug and unknowingly face a dangerous and unpredictable mix of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, or an ever-changing addition of new chemicals. Although there are fentanyl test strips available, other synthetic drugs are harder to detect and treat.
One such threat is a drug called Xylazine, which is FDA-approved for use in animals as a non-opioid sedative and pain reliever. It is not safe for humans. Xylazine is used as a drug adulterant, often added to enhance the effects of other drugs. It can be combined with fentanyl, and this stronger, cheaper combination is often misleadingly sold as heroin. Xylazine is frequently added to pressed pills and sold as counterfeit drugs for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Commonly known as “tranq” or “the zombie drug,” Xylazine slows down brain function, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. When combined with an opioid such as fentanyl, it can greatly increase the risk of overdose and death. Regular use of Xylazine can also produce sores on the body that often become infected and need medical attention to heal.
Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid-related side effects, is available over-the-counter. However, Narcan does not reverse the effects of Xylazine. Nevertheless, it is still recommended to use Narcan if Xylazine use is suspected since it is most often combined with fentanyl or other opioids, and Narcan may help prevent an overdose or death. Buying drugs has become an increasingly dangerous “buyer beware” market and a slippery slope with many unknowns around the synthetic drugs being consumed.
Individuals who use substances may feel a false sense of invincibility and confidence that they can handle the drugs they take, whatever they are. But over time, a person who is addicted can become frustrated as they may not be getting high anymore, using drugs only to avoid getting sick, or having more episodes of overdosing. Substance abuse can also lead to serious life problems, such as the loss of a job, the erosion of relationships with children, or the deterioration of a marriage or partnership. Thankfully, the frustrations of addiction can often lead to motivation to reach out for help. Substance abuse treatment is the most effective road to recovery for someone dealing with drug or alcohol addiction.
Substance use disorder treatment may include inpatient care, medical detox, and outpatient care, or a combination, depending on the patient’s needs.
At HopeHealth, substance use disorder treatment is available at our Florence, Manning, and Orangeburg locations. Patients start with a diagnostic assessment to determine an appropriate treatment plan. As an outpatient treatment facility, our treatment plans include medication assisted treatment (MAT) for a diagnosis of opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, or without MAT for all other substance use disorders.
MAT is used to normalize brain chemistry and body functions, block euphoric effects, and decrease cravings. These evidence-based medications can also prevent or treat an overdose and help promote long-term recovery. At HopeHealth, these medications may include Narcan, Vivitrol, Sublocade, or Suboxone.
Some may be referred to an intensive outpatient program or inpatient treatment facility if medically warranted. We work with each patient’s unique needs for an appropriate level of care that is updated regularly as the patient makes progress.
Drug addiction takes time to overcome, but there is always hope to create a new life and become free from addiction. If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance abuse disorder, take the first step towards healing and reach out for help.
Danielle Williams is a behavioral health counselor, specializing in alcohol and substance abuse treatment at HopeHealth and is accepting new patients. You do not have to be a patient at HopeHealth for substance abuse treatment. A brief and confidential over-the-phone assessment is required prior to an appointment. Call (843) 432-3690 for more information about substance use disorder and treatment.