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Drug overdoses can be deadly
Saturday, September 24, was a black day in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., as seven deaths were reported due to drug overdoses. The tragic happening urges heath officials to warn the citizens once more on the risks of drug overdoses. Heroin, fentanyl or carfentanil are the main lethal substances used, and specialists have to determine which one was for each of the seven cases.
The seven recent victims of drug overdoses were residents of the Cuyahoga County. Authorities determined that there is no connection between the victims. Even so, the situation is still a major concern because it only highlights the increasing rates of drug usage and overdoses among Americans.
Official statistics show that the largest number of deaths caused by overdose in Cuyahoga County were reported in August. Drugs made fifty-two victims during the last month of summer. Specialists estimate that additional fatal cases of drug consumption will be reported by December 2016, and think they could deal with approximately five hundred such situations. So far, three-hundred fifty Americans died in Cuyahoga County because of excessive drug usage.
A similar case occurred in Cincinnati when no less than ninety overdose cases were reported within five days.
According to experts, heroin, fentanyl or carfentanil overdoses can be deadly per se. However, if the substances are mixed, the combination is much more dangerous. No other drug mix is recommended unless you have permission from your doctor.
Nevertheless, drug addicts and dealers tend to mix certain substances in order to enhance their effect or to make them last longer. Carfentanil is often combined with heroin, although it is a substance used by veterinarians to sedate large animals. The risks of administering it to humans are high and deadly, as it is up to one hundred times stronger than morphine.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention keeps accurate statistics of the phenomenon of drug overdoses, among others. Their 2014 graphics show that California is where most overdose deaths are reported every year. The second state on the list is Ohio. However, specialists observed that the rate of opioid use and drug overdoses shows an alarmingly increased level.
Surveys point out that opioids cause more than sixty percent of the overdose-related deaths. In order to diminish the risks, Ohio state took legal action, such as not pursuing people who report cases of drug overdose.
Image courtesy of: Wikipedia
