Stimulant Use in the Opioid Epidemic: A Deadly Combination
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, near a storefront advertising “free” cellphones, J.R. sat in an empty back stairwell and showed a reporter how he tries to avoid overdosing when he smokes crack cocaine. KFF Health News is identifying him by his initials because he fears being arrested for using illegal drugs.
J.R. was a chatty, middle-aged man, and it had been several hours since his last hit. He meticulously handled a glass pipe in one hand and a lentil-size crumb of cocaine in the other, hoping for a pure, uncontaminated high without the risk of fentanyl. He flicked his lighter and took a tentative puff, relieved when he didn’t detect the telltale sweet smell of fentanyl. But as experts warn, this method offers only false and dangerous reassurance as a mistake can be fatal.
Understanding the Opioid Epidemic’s Fourth Wave
The deadly opioid epidemic has evolved through multiple phases, with the current “fourth wave” driven by the mix of stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines with fentanyl. This lethal combination poses a significant challenge as many stimulant users are unaware of the risk of ingesting opioids, leading to a lack of overdose precautions.
To combat this rising trend, experts recommend the use of drug-checking tools such as fentanyl test strips, a crucial practice in harm reduction embraced by federal health officials. These test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in substances like cocaine, providing a vital way to prevent accidental overdoses. However, the potency of street fentanyl remains a deadly mystery, with fluctuating levels that make each dose a potential lethal threat.
Personal Story: The Devastating Impact of Polydrug Use
Jennifer Dubois, a single mother, lost her son Cliffton to an overdose at the young age of 19. Cliffton, struggling with addiction since his early teens, fell victim to a counterfeit Adderall pill laced with fentanyl. Despite his efforts to avoid street drugs and opt for pills, Cliffton unknowingly consumed a deadly mixture that claimed his life.
Dubois’s heartbreaking story sheds light on the dangers of polydrug use and the misconceptions surrounding drug purity. Cliffton’s tragic overdose serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for awareness, education, and access to harm reduction tools like fentanyl test strips to prevent future tragedies.
Addressing the Epidemic: A Call for Action
As the opioid epidemic’s fourth wave continues to claim lives across the nation, it is essential to raise awareness about the risks associated with stimulant use and the presence of fentanyl. By advocating for harm reduction strategies, such as widespread access to drug-checking tools and education on safe drug practices, communities can work together to combat the devastating impact of polydrug use and prevent further loss of life.
The stories of individuals like J.R. and Cliffton underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the complex challenges posed by the opioid epidemic. Through collective action, education, and support, we can strive to save lives and protect vulnerable individuals from the deadly consequences of polydrug use.
