Is Fentanyl the Most Dangerous Illegal Drug in America?

Posted on: August 6th, 2023 by paul@socialbrandconnector.com

Most Dangerous Illegal Drug

While alcohol and nicotine have long been considered the most dangerous drugs due to their pervasive use and known health impacts, they’re both legal for adults to use. When it comes to the most dangerous illegal drug, healthcare and law enforcement experts are pointing to the synthetic opioid, fentanyl. Unfortunately, fentanyl is easy to obtain, highly addictive, and carries a risk of significant consequences, including criminal drug charges or even death.

Fentanyl has been growing in popularity in recent years, despite how dangerous it is. If you have been charged with possession of fentanyl, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights throughout the legal process.

THE DANGERS OF FENTANYL – Most Dangerous Illegal Drug

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sees fentanyl as the single deadliest drug threat that the US has ever encountered. The DEA notes that fentanyl, either on its own or mixed with other drugs, is responsible for more deaths of Americans under the age of 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide, or accidents.

Fentanyl is often added to other types of drugs in order to make them cheaper, more potent, and more addictive. The grassroots group Facing Fentanyl reports that the drug is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl can also be produced to look like other types of prescription drugs, such as the ADHD treatment Adderall.

Individuals who have developed a dependence to fentanyl often suffer withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the drug. Those symptoms can include cold flashes, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings, leading to even more dangers of the drug.

WHAT DOES TREATMENT FOR FENTANYL ADDICTION INVOLVE?

Those who are addicted to fentanyl and are facing criminal charges as a result of possessing or using the drug may be eligible to participate in a drug diversion program that includes treatment for their addiction. A comprehensive treatment plan often begins with a medical detox, in which the body safely rids itself of the drug.

Following detox, an individual being treated for fentanyl addiction will generally receive inpatient treatment at a treatment facility. Residing at the facility during treatment allows the individual to focus on their well-being without worrying about other life stressors such as maintaining a household or working.

A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU SEEK THE TREATMENT YOU NEED

The rapid increase in fentanyl trafficking and use, along with the significant dangers associated with the drug, has made law enforcement agencies and state prosecution teams take a hard stance against those who have been charged with possession. Being convicted of the charge results in incarceration, fines, and other penalties while doing little to help a defendant get the treatment they need. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the legal options that are available for you and, if you meet the eligibility requirements, can help you enter a pretrial drug diversion program or other court-ordered program.

If you’re ineligible for diversion, an attorney can help you create a defense strategy focused on sheltering you from the consequences of the conviction. This can include fighting the charge outright or seeking a dismissal of the charge due to improper investigatory procedures.

FENTANYL ADDICTION AND POSSESSION CHARGES? CONTACT DOD LAW, APC TODAY –

In recent years, fentanyl has become one of the most dangerous drugs in America, placing tremendous burdens on families, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and the court system. The legal team at Dod Law, APC understands how overwhelming being caught in the web of this dangerous drug is, particularly when you’re facing criminal charges.

For more than 19 years, Dod Law, APC has been protecting the rights of those who were accused of crimes, including those who were suffering from addiction or mental health conditions that made them vulnerable. Finding an outcome to this type of case requires significant time and commitment, which we are prepared to provide. For your free case evaluation, contact us at (619) 814-5110 or send us a message online.