Opioid overdoses by type
Synthetic opioid-related overdoses far outpace those from natural and semisynthetic opioids in Texas and the U.S. Data may be underreported due to incomplete data.
Synthetic opioid-related deaths (fentanyl)
Natural and semisynthetic opioid- related deaths (oxycodone, opium)
Owned and founded by a local couple on a mission to provide world-class care with small-town values.
texas
United states
1,012 1,788 2,351
36,603 31,525
Drs. Farid & Jennifer Dharamsi
72,027 71,143 56,894
446 439
318 375 535 607 651
11,462 13,674 13,518 11,941 12,620
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION COMMUNITY IMPACT
seized increasing quantities of fentanyl on north Texas highways each of the last several years, Collin County Sher- i Jim Skinner said in an email. Collin County has seen a 1,032% increase in the number of fatal fentanyl poison- ings from 2018 to 2022, according to the Collin County Medical Examiners. “Because of the nature of transna- tional criminal organizations, cartels, and illicit drug tra cking, there’s no way to track illicit fentanyl,” he said. Instead, law enforcement o cers try to intercept smuggling vehicles along the highways while the sheri ’s o ce watches other statistics such as over- doses and overdose deaths. Two criminal investigators at the sheri ’s o ce have been assigned to work on drug cases, including cases related to fentanyl. In a fentanyl overdose case, they will try to iden- tify the victim’s source and make an arrest, Skinner said. “Since August 2022, they have inves- tigated eight fentanyl-overdose cases, and they have arrested three suspects and seized cash from one suspected dealer,” he said. Be prepared For family members and friends wondering how they can help, law enforcement o cials recommend keeping vigilant and having open conversations. If a person needs pain medication, they should talk to a physician or a health care provider, Skinner said. Peo- ple should not borrow or exchange pre- scription medication with others. “A person should not buy medica- tion online, except from a reputable source,” he said. Those in need of medication can
locate state-licensed online pharma- cies across the U.S. via the FDA’s BeSaf- eRX online database. The website also provides resources for consumers interested in purchasing medications online. Cottingham recommended par- ents stay involved with their kids and talk to them about drugs. In addi- tion to learning more about fentanyl, he encouraged people to spread the word about it. “People may be aware of it but they don’t understand the degree or depth to which it’s truly a problem,” he said. Parents should keep an eye out for any type of drug paraphernalia, Cot- tingham said. Paraphernalia items could include a rolled dollar bill with drug residue on it or burnt tin foil. If anybody is worried they have a drug user in their household, they should look into purchasing Narcan, Cottingham said. “It takes [ rst responders] several minutes to get to an overdose and those could be critical,” he said. Since Preston’s death, Michael has started an initiative to visit 25 national parks to raise awareness about fen- tanyl. At each park he plans to ride 7 miles on his bicycle in honor of Preston. Through mid-May, Michael had vis- ited about half of the national parks on his list. One of his goals lies in gener- ating conversation with other parents and kids about the dangers of fentanyl. “I’m not law enforcement,” Michael said. “I’m not a politician. I can’t stop it but I can help parents talk to their kids.”
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