Comprehensive Analysis of Fentanyl Crisis Finds Dramatic Increase in Overdose Deaths

Researchers urge innovative new strategies to fight the Fentanyl crisis as a comprehensive analysis revealed a dramatic surge in overdose deaths. According to a new study by RAND Corporation, the US overdose crisis has worsened dramatically because of synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. The drug crisis is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually.

“This crisis is different because the spread of synthetic opioids is largely driven by suppliers' decisions, not by user demand,” said Bryce Pardo, lead author of the study and an associate policy researcher at RAND Corporation, a non-profit organization. “Most people who use opioids are not asking for fentanyl and would prefer to avoid exposure.”

RAND researchers found that the recent surge in synthetic opioids is fuelled by multiple sources such as drug trafficking and inadequate drug regulations. It is worth noting that Fentanyl has appeared in US illicit drug markets before, however, production was limited back then. Nowadays, producers can now ship synthetic opioids to buyers anywhere in the world.

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are responsible for more than 30,000 overdose deaths in 2018. This is a sharp increase from the overdose death toll from 2013, which reached about 3,000.

“While synthetic opioids have not yet become entrenched in illicit drug markets west of the Mississippi River, authorities must remain vigilant,” said Jirka Taylor, co-author of the study. Taylor is also a senior policy analyst at RAND. “Even delaying the onset in these markets by a few years could save thousands of lives.”

RAND recommends that US policymakers try non-traditional strategies to address new challenges. The sudden shift in Fentanyl production, distribution, and usage create new obstacles for lawmakers. While the researchers did not make specific policy recommendations, they did advocate innovative approaches such as supervised consumption sites, creative supply disruption, drug content testing, and increasing access to novel treatments available in other countries.

“Indeed, it might be that the synthetic opioid problem will eventually be resolved with approaches or technologies that do not currently exist or have yet to be tested,” said Beau Kilmer, study co-author and director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center. “Limiting policy responses to existing approaches will likely be insufficient and may condemn many people to early deaths.”

RAND researchers also note that there is little reason to believe that tougher sentences will make a difference. That includes drug-induced homicide laws for low-level retailers and couriers, which might be inconsequential in the long run. Click the link to see Auburn's top rehab placement programs.

The new RAND Corporation study is by far the most comprehensive document to be published in the past, present, and future of illicit synthetic opioids. RAND researchers analyzed mortality and drug seizure data. They also reviewed existing literature and conducted expert interviews.

“Problems in parts of Canada are as severe as in the Eastern United States despite substantial differences in drug policy, and the delivery of public health and social services,” said Jonathan Caulkins, study co-author and Stever University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

Funding for the study was provided by RAND Ventures, which is supported by gifts from RAND supporters and income from operations.

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