Carfentanil: Too Close For Comfort

You may have heard it last night on Newswatch 16, but for those who missed the news segment, here’s what you need to know.

Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis has issued a warning to all law enforcement, first responders and the general public, to be cautious of Carfentanil making its way to Luzerne County.

Less than two weeks ago, we gave you information about Carfentanil and how it is rampant in Ohio cities. In July alone, Akron suffered 236 drug overdoses, 20 of them being fatal.

Ohio officials have linked several of the overdoses to the powerful drug Carfentanil, and say it’s being mixed with heroin.

Now this drug has crossed state borders and has begun killing western Pennsylvania residents.

Carfentanil, the most powerful opioid to date, is 10,000 times more powerful than pure heroin and 100 times more potent than Fentanyl.

It is used to sedate large animals like elephants.

Because of its potency, zoo keepers wear protective gear such as gloves and facemasks, when administering it. Even a small dose absorbed into a person’s skin can be fatal.

Due to its lethal nature, anyone who comes in contact with an overdose victim, is susceptible to harm and even death.

Luzerne County D.A. said in the news report last night, “We are seeing so many different types of drugs being brought into our communities. Drugs that are so lethal, one use of it could kill someone, so it is truly an epidemic right now.”

She went on to add “If they see signs that this may potentially be this drug, or an overdose from this drug, they need to use extra precaution. It is just a matter of time that it will make its way across the state and be in Luzerne County.”

Detective Palka of Kingston expressed concern for the heroin users of this county.

“The heroin addicts that are in this area don’t know that it’s going to be mixed with their heroin and it would be more something the dealers would be doing, unbeknownst to the heroin user”, he told  Newswatch 16.

The other harsh reality is the fact that Carfentanil may even be too powerful for the overdose reversal drug, Narcan. Ohio officials reported having to administer multiple doses before reviving overdose victims.

Unfortunately though, there will always be those who will continue to test the waters, no matter how many warnings are put out.

So far in 2016, 80 people have died from drug overdoses in Luzerne County.

Contact Clearbrook

If you are struggling with a heroin addiction, know there is help available.

For over 4 decades, Clearbrook has been effectively treating Luzerne County residents who are afflicted with addiction and alcoholism.

Please do not wait until it’s too late. Contact us today.

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?

CALL CLEARBROOK TREATMENT CENTERS NOW AT (570) 536-9621.