TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
BY DR. ROBIN HICKERSON PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS
F or many of us, August signifies a time of new beginnings. There is an air of excitement as students, parents, and teachers prepare to head back to school. Everyone is eager to see class lists, homeroom teachers, and schedules. A new school year reminds us of the smell of a freshly opened box of crayons, the feel of a brand-new backpack, and the sound of school bells ringing. The school year brings about a time of goal setting and eagerness to be prepared and focused. Parents and guardians challenge their children to make the honor roll, have perfect attendance, and have exemplary conduct. Several local organizations distribute backpacks, school supplies, and even food items to meet students’ basic needs. Everyone seems committed to ensuring the students in our community are set up for success. However, with the ever-changing dynamics of society, we must do more. We must prepare our kids to face a danger that exists right here in our own backyards—the fentanyl crisis.
Precisely what is fentanyl, and why would anyone take it? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid intended to be a painkiller during surgery in acute care settings. According to an article titled “What is Fentanyl and Why is it Behind the Deadly Surge in U.S. Drug Overdoses?” published by UMass Chan Medical School in May 2022, fentanyl entered the illicit drug scene in 1979, clustered in individual cities. Once distribution was expanded, overdose deaths went from 8,050 in 1999 to 33,091 in 2015. Fentanyl has gained popularity mainly due to its ease of production. It is not plant derived and does not require cultivation. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, gives the user a more significant high, and is activated quickly once in the user’s system. The inappropriate use of small amounts of fentanyl results in an intense high, making its distribution an attractive option for drug dealers. However, it can also cause respiratory failure leading to death and is currently the leading cause of opioid overdoses.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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