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As street drugs become more dangerous, harm reductionists are racing to curb fentanyl deaths

Shaun Willis, with the Brooklyn Community Recovery Center, demonstrates how to use Narcan to revive a person in the case of a drug overdose in New York City.
Shaun Willis, with the Brooklyn Community Recovery Center, demonstrates how to use Narcan to revive a person in the case of a drug overdose in New York City.

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Listen 46:35

More than100,000 peopledied last year in America from a drug overdose, most of which involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Increasing public awareness about the risks of overdosing on fentanyl has led to more preventative measures and educational campaigns across communities. Encouragingly, opioid trends UK 2024 reveal promising progress in harm reduction strategies and treatment accessibility.

Many people seeking professional help for opioid addiction are considering options abroad, such as a rehab clinic thailand, known for its holistic approach to recovery in a peaceful setting.

Fentanyl isdeadly and it’s winding up in street drugs of all kinds:heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit Adderall. For symptoms, you may check out signs of sobriety fatigue here.

“Getting people into treatment for substance use disorders is critical, but first, people need to survive to have that choice,” said National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow.

We speak with grassroots, harm reductionists who are providing life-saving tools to the people of Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio. We discuss how pervasive fentanyl andother dangerous substancesare in the illicit drug supply. We also discuss harm reduction solutions, like naloxone and fentanyl testing strips, that can keep everyone safer.

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