The Rise of Fentanyl: Drug Addiction On The I-95 – Two Years On (2018)
The Rise of Fentanyl: Drug Addiction On The I-95 – Two Years On is a documentary that provides an intimate look at the human toll of America’s opioid epidemic. Through the lens of personal stories, it sheds light on the devastating impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has reshaped drug overdoses in the United States.
Here are the key points about this documentary:
- Subject Matter:
- The film delves into the opioid crisis, which has become one of the biggest killers in the U.S., endangering public health, the economy, and national security.
- Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is at the heart of this crisis.
- Fentanyl’s Potency:
- Originally developed as a pharmaceutical drug to treat severe pain, fentanyl is now illegally manufactured and sold by criminal gangs.
- It is 50 times more powerful than heroin, making it exceptionally dangerous.
- Changing Landscape:
- In 2010, fewer than 40,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S., with less than 10% of those deaths linked to fentanyl.
- Fast forward to recent years, and the rise of illicitly manufactured fentanyl has led to an overdose crisis of unprecedented magnitude.
- In 2021, for the first time ever, drug overdoses claimed more than 100,000 lives across the country, with over 66% of those deaths tied to fentanyl.
This documentary serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and treatment in tackling the opioid epidemic. Let us collectively work toward a safer and healthier future for all.