Fentanyl: Over 800 overdose deaths in King County this year
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Fentanyl: Over 800 overdose deaths in King County this year
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Fentanyl: Over 800 overdose deaths in King County this year.
Fentanyl crisis continues to intensify in King County, with more than 800 overdose deaths this year.
The growing reality of the fentanyl crisis is underscored by the recent deaths of three children from fentanyl overdoses in King County, Washington.
According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, there have been 808 drug overdose deaths in King County in the first seven months of 2023.
This year’s figure is likely to surpass the 2022 record of 1,001 deaths.
Most drug overdose deaths were due to fentanyl, according to medical examiner’s office documents.
First responders in the King County area received 4,868 calls for overdoses from January to July this year, a 65 percent increase in overdose responses compared to 2,947 calls during the same period last year. King County had 760 calls to the police for opioid overdoses in the month of July, the first month of summer
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain medication. It is used medically for pain management, particularly in cases of severe pain such as during surgeries or for individuals with chronic pain who are not responding well to other opioids.
Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, reducing the perception of pain.
It’s important to note that fentanyl is significantly more potent than other opioids like morphine or oxycodone. Even a small amount of fentanyl can have a strong effect, which is why it’s often used in medical settings where careful dosage can be controlled by healthcare professionals.
However, fentanyl has gained notoriety due to its potential for abuse and the high risk of overdose.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs or sold on its own, has been associated with a large number of overdose deaths, primarily because of its potency and the difficulty of determining a safe dosage without proper medical supervision.
Fentanyl comes in various forms, including patches, lozenges, injectable formulations, and even illicitly manufactured pills or powders.
Its potent nature makes it a substance of concern in both medical and illicit contexts, and efforts are ongoing to address its proper use and prevent its misuse.
(source:internet, reference only)
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