A lot of people have died from drug overdoses in Phoenix, Arizona, which is the state’s capital and biggest city. This problem has also hurt the health and well-being of many others. The city has been called the state’s “drug overdose capital” because of how many people die from drug accidents. Most of these deaths are caused by opioids, especially fentanyl.
The Rise of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a man-made drug that is fifty to one hundred times stronger than heroin or morphine. Many times, it is mixed with heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine to make them work better or to get more of them. But this also raises the risk of overdose because users might not know how much or how pure the drug they are taking is.
Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Phoenix said that the number of fentanyl pills discovered in Arizona has gone through the roof. From 6 million in 2020 to almost 12 million last year, that number has doubled. Most of these pills come from Mexico, where they are made in secret labs with drugs that are cheap and easy to get.
It is also possible to get fentanyl in pills, patches, or liquid form. You can inject it, sniff it, swallow it, or let your skin receive it. A person can die from even a small amount because it can slow down or stop their heart rate and breathing.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak has made the problem of drug overdoses worse in Phoenix and across the country. The pandemic has made people feel alone, hurt their finances, and caused mental stress, all of which have increased the demand for drugs while also making it harder for them to get help and recover.
The Arizona Department of Health Services says that 2,006 people died from drug overdoses in the state last year. This is 80% more than in 2018. In 2020, 94% of deaths were caused by manufactured drugs like fentanyl. In 2018, that number was only 69%. So far this year, paramedics and police in Phoenix have reacted to between 700 and 800 suspected overdoses every month. In 80% of those calls, the emergency drug naloxone was given.
It is also more likely for people who use drugs alone and don’t have anyone close to help them in an emergency because of the pandemic. A lot of people who are homeless or living in unstable housing may not be able to get to safe injection places, syringe exchange programs, or other services that help reduce harm.
The Role of Excessive Heat
The very high temperatures in Phoenix during the summer are another thing that makes the drug overdose situation worse. Phoenix usually gets above 106°F (41°C) in July, and there are many days when it gets above 110°F (43°C) or even 120°F (49°C).
For drug users, extreme heat can be bad for their health because it can make them lose water, raise their blood pressure, and mess up their digestion. It can also change how strong the drugs are and how long they last, which can make them more dangerous or unexpected.
People who don’t have a place to stay or are homeless may not be able to get to shade, water, or places to cool off. A lot of the time they may be out in the sun, which can lead to sunburns, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. These situations can make the drugs’ effects worse and make it more likely that someone will overdose.
The Need for Action
The drug overdose crisis in Phoenix is a complicated and multifaceted problem that needs a coordinated and all-encompassing reaction from the government, the health care system, the police, community groups, and the drug users themselves.
Here are some things that could be done to help solve the problem:
Making more naloxone, the drug that can reverse an overdose, available and easy to get, and teaching more people how to use it.
Increasing the number of treatment and recovery choices for people with substance use disorders and lowering the shame and other problems that keep them from getting help.
Making harm reduction services and programs better so they offer safe and caring places for drug users to stay and teach them how to lower the risks and avoid deaths.
Making it easier to keep an eye on the drug supply and drug trends, as well as letting people and sources know about any changes or threats.
Working with nearby states and countries to stop the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal drugs, and following the rules and laws that keep people safe and healthy.
In conclusion
Phoenix has a big problem that needs to be fixed right away: it has been called the state’s drug overdose capital. A lot of people are dying from drugs in the city, mostly because of the popularity of fentanyl, a strong and dangerous synthetic opioid. The COVID-19 outbreak and the high temperatures have made things even worse by making more people want drugs and raising the risk of overdose. The city needs to move quickly and effectively to save the lives of its residents by putting in place several plans to stop, treat, and reverse overdoses.