Dangerous drug fentanyl gaining hold in Chicago area

 Posted on January 31, 2023 in Drug Offenses

Addiction is at the heart of many drug crimes. People who are in the grip of addiction could find that they are engaging in activities they otherwise would never consider, in an effort to secure more of the substance to which they are addicted. This cycle can continue indefinitely or until something-such as an arrest-brings it to an end. While many different drugs could be behind this cycle, over the course of last few years, in the Chicago metro area, heroin has become one of the biggest culprits.

According to a recent report, there is another, even stronger drug, which is gaining favor with area residents. The synthetic drug fentanyl is being combined with heroin leading to a disastrous outcome. With a potency that is 80 to 200 times greater than heroin, overdoses in the area are rampant.

If the name fentanyl sounds familiar it may be because it is available as a prescription pain killer. Because of how powerful it is, the individuals who receive it are generally those who are in great pain, such as those who have cancer.

The fact that fentanyl is available via prescription does not mean that its use in other settings is legal. In addition to posing a health risk, a person who uses it could face criminal consequences as well. This is true regardless of the age of the person who is engaging in its illegal use.

Any criminal charge in connection with drugs should be taken seriously. While it is possible that prison time could be a consequence for a conviction, in some situations alternative programs could be available. A criminal defense lawyer can help determine whether drug court or another alternative program could be an option.