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.
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