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Fentanyl alarm in Hanover: number of drug emergencies doubled!
Hanover is battling the rising threat of fentanyl in heroin as drug emergencies rise alarmingly.
Fentanyl alarm in Hanover: number of drug emergencies doubled!
The increasing abuse of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, shows worrying trends in Germany. In recent months the number of drug emergencies has increased significantly and this clearly illustrates the current situation on the drug front. ZDF today reports that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is a staggering 50 to 60 times more powerful than heroin and the addition of this substance to heroin has led to an increase in drug emergencies. Particular attention is being paid to Hanover, where the number of drug emergencies has doubled compared to the previous year.
What exactly happens when heroin users use fentanyl? The consequences are fatal: many develop respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. It is therefore all the more important that initiatives such as the “so-par” model project were launched in Hanover. This project allows addicts to test their heroin for fentanyl additives. In addition to Hanover, Berlin and Essen as well as several organizations, including Deutsche Aidshilfe, are also involved in this important project.
An alarming trend
The situation is not only tense in Germany. Addiction researchers are already warning of an increase in emergencies due to synthetic drugs. A recent report shows that synthetic opioids are responsible for 75% of drug-related deaths in Europe. Dublin also recently saw an alarming 54 drug emergencies in just four days daily news reported.
Federal association for drug work, such as “Akcept” and the German Aids Aid, express concern about the doubling of drug emergencies and are calling for a faster infrastructure for emergency care. Dirk Schäffer from Deutsche Aidshilfe emphasizes that an expansion of substitution therapies and consumption rooms is urgently needed, while addiction and drug commissioner Burkhard Blienert emphasizes the importance of a nationwide monitoring and warning system for synthetic opioids.
Increasing pressure and urgency
The publication of the “Trendspotter” report shows that not only is the number of drug-related deaths in Germany at a sad high, but the consumption of opioid painkillers is also increasing. Experts report changes in the use of fentanyl, heroin and other psychoactive substances. Around a quarter of experts stated that the availability of fentanyl has increased in recent years. These developments represent a serious problem that requires rapid action to prevent further tragedies.
In addition to calling for more education and better structures, training first responders in the use of naloxone, a life-saving emergency drug against overdoses, could also be crucial. Naloxone can be easily administered by laypeople in the form of a nasal spray and could save many lives.
It is clear: the current situation requires comprehensive measures and increased cooperation between cities, states and relevant organizations. The fight against the abuse of synthetic drugs must urgently be intensified in order to overcome the rapidly growing dangers.