For the past three years, the focus of the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to grab the headlines. However, we cannot overlook the health crisis our nation is currently facing in the form of opioid addiction, related overdoses, and in many cases, deaths. As a country, we need to unite in our understanding and focus to effectively tackle it, appropriately support those that have fallen victim to its grasp and drive a meaningful effort to resolve it as soon as possible. So why is it such a severe problem, and how did we get here?
According to the CDC, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. As a result, it is currently a significant contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States (U.S.). Opioids, including fentanyl, are the primary driver of drug overdose deaths. Currently, approximately 80% of opioid-involved overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids, so the significance of the source of the drugs cannot be understated.
Fentanyl is no exception. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain, especially when conditions arise from serious trauma, to recover from major surgery, and to deal with advanced-stage cancer. However, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses are due to illegally manufactured fentanyl. It is often cut or added to other drugs because of its strength and potency, which raises profits for dealers because it cheapens the drugs it's added to and makes them more robust and addictive. It also makes them materially more dangerous to use. So how has the public become aware of this crisis to date?
Headlines outline how many celebrities have fallen due to the use of fentanyl, often in combination with other drugs, because of its effect-enhancing properties. Amongst too many examples to list, they include the likes of Prince, rapper Lil Peep, and country singer Luke Bell. Prince died in 2016, aged 57, from overdosing on fentanyl. In November 2017, Lil Peep was found dead. The county medical examiner listed the cause of death as an overdose of fentanyl and Xanax, a sedative, amongst several other drugs. Luke Bell died most recently, on August 26, 2022, from accidentally overdosing on fentanyl. Some may think this only happens to celebrities using it recreationally because they have wealth and access; what about everyone else, including those that have gone through extreme trauma and can't escape the pain? Fentanyl and opioids are a threat that ultimately can affect all of us.
Someone you know, or at least someone you know of, may be struggling with addiction in some shape or form. In speaking with Catherine Nadal, an evidential psychic medium who has been reading for the public for nearly eighteen years, we examined the recent increase in deaths from suicide and drug addiction, particularly fentanyl. Catherine mentioned that these passings have become more frequent over the past two years and are extremely hard for surviving family and friends since they are sudden, shocking, and often confusing. What is the driving force? Has COVID-19 had anything to do with this uptick in drug addiction and suicide? Is anxiety caused by social media a root cause in any way? Have these drugs become more accessible? The answers are not easy, and there is still much to be studied. For example, when talking with Catherine, the disparate ages of those who passed due to overdoes can make your head spin. Yet, what do they all have in common? Everyone is someone's child.
Perhaps the addicted person believes their addiction is secret, and many other problems along the way remain hidden. Catherine spoke of working closely with a young husband whose spouse was traveling on assignment. Their physical, spiritual, and emotional distance had placed a wedge in their relationship, and their interactions due to this had changed significantly. Early one morning, the husband received the most shocking news of his life when he heard his spouse had been found deceased by the hotel management team. Later, the spouse found out law enforcement officials confirmed an illegal substance laced with fentanyl was found in the spouse's room. In the husband's opinion, they were a couple that never used drugs. After hearing this devasting news, he immediately realized that his spouse was suffering longer and more profoundly than he had imagined.
According to Catherine's website, she does not want any information from anyone prior to a reading. Concerning this couple, she quickly brought through detailed information about the spouse's personality and evidence of her life in detail. During the reading, the husband verified the information Catherine was bringing through. When Catherine relays the messages from spirits, they often highlight important and memorable events. She explains that seeing a medium is not for everyone, nor should it be used as grief work. Catherine recommends getting involved in support groups focusing on grief, such as "Compassionate Friends" or "Tender Hearts," or that those grieving pursue individual counseling through clergy, physicians, or certified grief educators (see Grief.Com).
So, what is the best way to raise awareness, fight against this crisis, and support addicted people? According to the department of U.S. Health and Human Services, the best ways to prevent opioid overdose deaths, such as with fentanyl, are improving safe prescribing, proactively preventing misuse, and providing treatment to the addicted person. The first step is to be aware. Now that you know, what are you going to do about it? For more information, see the resources available via U.S. Health and Human Services, Nar-Anon, and the CDC site on fentanyl. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or extreme emotional distress, please be aware of the new toll-free number, 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which can be called or texted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Follow Catherine Nadal on Instagram at CatWitchNYC.
