Fentanyl: The Deadliest Opioid

Another entry in Human Relations Media’s opioid-related programs (see The Opioids Epidemic: How I Became a Heroin Addict in VL-1/17 and Opioids: Addiction, Overdose and Death in VL-1/18), this latest title looks at the synthetic painkiller fentanyl. Originally designed as an anesthetic for cancer patients and end-of-life care, fentanyl is many times more dangerous than heroin or morphine (both of which can be derived naturally from opium) and is different from semi-synthetic opioids such as Percocet and Oxycodone in that inexperienced street dealers now cut their regular drugs with fentanyl for profit (since it’s cheaper). Comments from a knowledgeable host, relevant diagrams, and clips from news and law enforcement footage are combined with interviews of affected family members. Also covered is an even more hazardous companion drug called carfentanil (which is used on elephants). The bottom line: fentanyl kills and can be added to common street drugs without the end user’s knowledge. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)