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Journal of MEDICINE-24 - 2026 Journal of MEDICINE-24 - 2025
Nazrin Mamedova
Baku, Azerbaijan
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9988-4227
nazrinmamedova2705@gmail.com
Najiba Abdullayeva
Baku, Azerbaijan
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8868-2013
najiba.abdullayeva2004@gmail.com
The Fentanyl Crisis
Abstract
The Fentanyl Crisis refers to the growing public health emergency caused by the widespread misuse and overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. Initially developed for medical purposes, fentanyl is now a leading cause of opioid-related deaths, particularly in North America. Its potency — 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine—makes it extremely dangerous, especially when illicitly mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills.
The crisis has worsened due to its illegal production and distribution, mainly by organized crime groups. The increasing availability of fentanyl has compounded the ongoing opioid epidemic. In 2021, fentanyl was involved in a significant portion of the 70,000 opioid overdose deaths in the United States. This crisis has severe societal impacts, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, people of color, and those living in poverty.
Efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis include public health campaigns, improved addiction treatment access, naloxone distribution, and harm reduction strategies like supervised injection sites. Governments are also focused on law enforcement actions to intercept fentanyl shipments. Despite these efforts, resolving the crisis requires a comprehensive approach, including better addiction support and broader drug policy reforms.
Keywords: fentanyl, opioid crisis, overdose deaths, public health emergency, synthetic opioid, illicit drug market, naloxone, harm reduction, addiction treatment, public health campaigns, organized crime groups, drug policy reforms
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