Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – In recent years, social media has become a primary source of information and communication for many people. However, it has also become an increasingly popular platform for drug traffickers to sell dangerous substances such as fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and e-commerce sites on the dark web are being used to sell illicit drugs like fentanyl, making it easily accessible to virtually anyone with a smartphone.
The two largest criminal organizations in Mexico, the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, have become experts in using technology to recruit sellers of their illicit merchandise in the US without having to cross the border physically. They have been using encryption to communicate through platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to share videos of executions and make criminal propaganda for several years.
A significant case that brought to light the power of social media in relation to drug trafficking occurred in Carrollton, Texas. The case resulted in as many as 10 overdoses in minors, three of them fatal. The man who sold them the pills agreed to the sale through a social media platform. Furthermore, most of the drug, especially fentanyl, enters the United States through ports of entry rather than other sections of the border.
Experts warn that social media gives drug cartels visibility and a platform to send messages and make billions of dollars. They also note that the use of social media by drug traffickers makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track them. Messages sent through platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram disappear in a matter of minutes or hours, making them more difficult to track than phone calls and text messages.
Fentanyl caused more than 900 deaths in Texas in 2020, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. This figure increased to some 1,650 people in 2021, which translated into an increase of more than 80%. The DEA warns that drugs produced by the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel often end up being marketed by traffickers on social media platforms, deceiving young people and adolescents into buying fake prescription pills directly from them.
The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain, but it is also responsible for the surge in drug overdose deaths worldwide. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, making it incredibly dangerous and addictive. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of fentanyl addiction.
Causes of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction can happen to anyone who takes the drug, even when prescribed by a doctor. The drug works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors, which can create a feeling of euphoria and relieve pain. Over time, the body develops a tolerance to the drug, leading to a physical dependence on it. Individuals who misuse fentanyl may crush the pills and snort them, smoke them, or inject them to achieve a quicker and stronger high. Misuse of the drug can quickly lead to addiction.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
The symptoms of fentanyl addiction can vary, but some common signs include:
- Physical symptoms, such as slowed breathing, constipation, and nausea.
- Behavioral changes, such as social withdrawal, secretive behavior, and changes in sleeping patterns.
- Psychological changes, such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
- Overdose, which can cause unconsciousness, coma, and even death.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires professional treatment. Withdrawal from fentanyl can be extremely challenging and dangerous, making it essential to seek medical assistance to manage withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for fentanyl addiction often includes a combination of medications, therapy, and support groups.
- Medications: Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They can also help reduce the risk of relapse.
- Therapy: Therapy can help individuals understand and address the underlying causes of their addiction. Behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors.
- Support Groups: Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide individuals with emotional support and encouragement during their recovery journey. These groups can help individuals connect with others who have gone through similar experiences and share their struggles.
Fentanyl addiction is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires professional treatment. Misuse of fentanyl can quickly lead to addiction, making it essential to understand the symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for fentanyl addiction often includes a combination of medications, therapy, and support groups to help individuals overcome their addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
Trending News on PVDN
The Connection Between the Jalisco Cartel, Missing Employees at Call Center, 45 Bags of Body Parts, Timeshare Scams, and American Tourists PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - More than a week after the initial disappearance of eight young workers at a call center in Zapopan, Jalisco, the case continues to be shrouded in mystery, leaving families distraught and demanding answers. The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office has made little progress in the investigation, according to the relatives of the missing…
Shocking Case of Animal Abuse in Mexico: Man Throws Dog into Boiling Fry Oil PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - A disturbing incident of animal abuse has sent shockwaves throughout Mexico, as a man allegedly threw a dog into a pot of boiling oil, resulting in the animal's tragic death. Authorities have detained the suspect for the assault on the dog and have issued an additional arrest warrant on charges of…
Thrill-Seeking Tourist in Puerto Vallarta is Rescued After Parachute Accident on Los Muertos Beach Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - A woman was rescued after her parachute got entangled in a palm tree on the popular Los Muertos Beach in an incident that highlighted a growing concern over the lack of regulation in tourist activities in Puerto Vallarta. The incident unfolded during one of the city's burgeoning recreational pursuits frequently indulged…
Popocatépetl Volcano Activity Continues; June 5, 2023 Monitoring Update PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - In the latest updates from the monitoring systems of the Popocatépetl volcano, 108 exhalations were recorded in the last 24 hours, accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gases, and minor quantities of ash. The monitoring systems also registered 51 minutes of tremor segments, ranging from low to moderate amplitude and high frequency.…
It’s Getting a Little More Expensive for Americans Living in Mexico, Peso Surges to Over Seven-Year High Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - The Mexican peso reached its highest level in more than seven years on Friday, June 2, driven by positive employment data from the United States. The country's stock market also experienced a notable rise as fears of a recession in the US diminished. At the close of trading, the peso was…
Buried Body Found Near Home of Man Who Went Missing at Puerto Vallarta Pride PUERTO VALLARTA - This Monday morning, a gruesome discovery of a half-buried body was made on a property located adjacent to the home of Ruben Michel, a young man who has been missing since May 25. Michel, a deaf-mute member of the LGBTQ+ community, vanished following the Vallarta Pride event. Municipal Police were alerted to…
Volaris Maintains Regular Operations in Puerto Vallarta Despite Strike Threat PUERTO VALLARTA - Amid threats of a work stoppage by Volaris employees early this Monday, operations at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport have continued as usual, as reported by the Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP). According to official statements from the airline, as of 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, Volaris has operated 77 flights…
Popocatépetl Volcano Exhibits Increased Activity; Yellow Phase 3 Alert Continues PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - In the past 24 hours, heightened activity was recorded from Mexico's Popocatépetl volcano, with an alarming 315 exhalations detected, accompanied by water vapor, other volcanic gases, and ash, according to the Scientific Advisory Committee (CCA) of the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC). Monitoring systems in place around the active stratovolcano also…
Puerto Vallarta Celebrates 105 Years as Municipality, 55 as City with Grand Anniversary Celebration PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - Puerto Vallarta, one of the nation's favorite tourist destinations, celebrated the 105th anniversary of its elevation to a municipality and its 55th year as a city with a solemn session held in the central courtyard of the city's presidency. Presiding over the commemorative event was Mayor, Professor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez,…
Mother Pleads for Expedited Investigation into Disappearance of Son Following Vallarta Pride Celebration PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – One week after the disappearance of 32-year-old Michel Rubén Castro Guizar, who attended the Vallarta Pride celebration in Puerto Vallarta, his mother Bacilia Guizar pleads with authorities to accelerate the investigation and search efforts. In an emotional press conference outside her house at 114 March 18th Street, October 12th neighborhood, Guizar…