In the news, you may have heard that there is an opiate epidemic crossing the United States. Opiates, especially heroin and fentanyl, have been sold in growing quantities, leading to a number of overdose deaths.
In some cases, having fentanyl in your possession is not against the law, but in all cases, heroin is illegal. If you’re caught with one or both of these drugs, you’ll need to develop a strong defense to protect yourself and your reputation.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an opioid, which is also known as a narcotic. It’s typically used as a part of anesthesia. It helps prevent pain after the surgery is complete.
While it’s given as an injection through an IV in a medical setting, fentanyl on the street comes in a powdered form most commonly. It has the potential to pass through the skin, which can lead to accidental overdoses.
Most people do not receive any kind of prescription for fentanyl, because it is usually only administered in a short, small dose by a medical professional. The drug has the potential to cause serious side effects like severe weakness or vision problems, so doctors need to monitor patients’ vital signs while they’re taking fentanyl.
What is fentanyl known as on the street?
Fentanyl may be known as China White, Goodfella, Murder 8, Cash, Tango or other street names.
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
Fentanyl has the potential to cause overdoses with very little of the substance. When high dosages of opioids reach the brain, they can shut down the body’s ability to breathe completely. Since fentanyl is particularly potent, the risk of an overdose is higher than with other types of opioid drugs. If the fentanyl is mixed with cocaine or heroin, its potency increases, making it even more likely that a person will overdose.
Fentanyl is so dangerous that the authorities are cracking down on those with the drug in their possession. You have a chance to defend yourself and should do so as soon as possible.