Current Events > 112,000 people died in the US from overdose in 2023

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/28/1220881380/overdose-fentanyl-drugs-addiction

That is an insane number. I am afraid of what this years number will be.

Im kind of curious what the numbers are of people who were taking things that are/were inherently risky, versus those taking safe drugs that were laced with something else.

PerseusRad posted...

Im kind of curious what the numbers are of people who were taking things that are/were inherently risky, versus those taking safe drugs that were laced with something else.

That would be very interesting.

A topic that actually affects me a lot since its been a great deal harder for those of us who is prescribed actual opiate prescriptions for years to find doctors willing to fill these out these days thanks to the DEA making a ton of changes back in 2016 (some of these changes is being turned back around, but its still rough out there), the reason for said changes because legitimate opiate prescriptions from the pharmacy took the vast majority of the blame (DEA's logic was that the granpas and grannies selling off their spare pain meds was the biggest issue to deal with when in truth this isn't a drop in the bucket compared to the street pills being smuggled in) compared to the true culprit, the dirty fent coming in....that is now also being laced with some sort of tranquilizer or whatever the hell it is. Going to a pain management clinic for most people actually has doctors pushing for injection shots and similar things to that, and primary care doctors for the most part will just tell you to go straight to pain management.

*I have had opiate prescriptions for basically my entire life for sickle cell related wacky shenanigans, and so for decades I used to always get my prescriptions from my primary care doctors. When covid really took off, it did a number on my doc's office, and since it was a private owned clinic with only her there the place got shut down permanantly. I went through a really rough december and january in late 2022/early 2023 trying to find another doctor despite having my med records showing "yeah, this guy got it bad". I'm good now since I am now going to a specialty clinic for sickle cell patients with all the pain management, hematology and whatever else needs but man was that time period rough for me.*

Which is why harm reduction measures are the way forward, specifically Narcan training.

Considering our total population I honestly would have expected a much higher number.

People need to put their personal feelings about drug use aside and recognize that treating addiction as a criminal issue will never make it go away and often times makes the situation worse for the people involved.

I have dead friends who would probably still be here today if they had access to a clean supply.

I want to know how the vast majority of these addictions began so we can solve THAT problem.

If its kids wanting to be cool at this point I have fucking zero sympathy, but if its shitty doctors prescribing dangerous drugs that these people dont need because they get kickbacks, lets address that.

decades of drug propaganda has made people view drug users as monsters, and not people who simply enjoy using a substance.

People overdose from laced drugs that arent the usual addict drugs. Criminalizing drugs to the extent we do here just makes it all the more likely that the next drug you take is deadly.

Rosstin316 posted...

I want to know how the vast majority of these addictions began so we can solve THAT problem.

If its kids wanting to be cool at this point I have fucking zero sympathy, but if its shitty doctors prescribing dangerous drugs that these people dont need because they get kickbacks, lets address that.

You dont need to be an addict to die of an overdose. Drugs that will not usually kill are being laced with stuff like fent and can kill from just one use

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

You dont need to be an addict to die of an overdose. Drugs that will not usually kill are being laced with stuff like fent and can kill from just one use

How are those drugs being obtained and what is typically the reason for using them?

We live in a country that doesn't give a fuck about mental health.

Ban all drugs. If you're not getting something from your doctor you shouldn't have it.

Full_Pokedex posted...

Ban all drugs. If you're not getting something from your doctor you shouldn't have it.

Yep, this was the response TC was hoping for, and of course it came from Duncan.

You do realize over the counter cough syrup, allergy medication, laxatives, etc. and so on are also drugs, too, right? Are you saying to ban those, as well?

Full_Pokedex posted...

Ban all drugs. If you're not getting something from your doctor you shouldn't have it.

Please stop, Duncan

By your own admission you have a child-like understanding about drugs. Nobody wants to hear your thoughts on this.

As a funky, but not a junkie, I hate that Im scared to do any drugs these days

Rosstin316 posted...

How are those drugs being obtained and what is typically the reason for using them?

People like getting high. Theyre obtained like any other illegal drug, from a dealer that most likely doesnt make the drugs hes selling, and doesnt know what might be laced.

Something like fake Xanax for example, could have fentanyl in it and kill you. The only way youd know would be to test it, and even then tests dont always mean its 100% safe.

Drugs shouldnt be a death sentence.

Full_Pokedex posted...

Ban all drugs. If you're not getting something from your doctor you shouldn't have it.

You say shit like this and wonder why people dont like you

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

You say shit like this and wonder why people dont like you

I've never once done cocaine or whatever the people here want to legalize. Because I know drugs are bad, maybe you missed that memo.

Im not gonna say dont do drugs because there are a ton of legitimate medical reasons to do drugs, but if you do have to do them, for the love of God, dont just get them from some fucking random guy with face tattoos and white guy dreadlocks, go to a doctor and get them prescribed.

And if you dont have a legitimate medical reason to do them, just dont fucking do them. Because odds are youre gonna be getting them from face tattoos and white guy dreadlocks guy, its gonna be laced, and youre gonna die, so theres not much society can do for you besides use you as an example for other kids to not make the same mistake.

Full_Pokedex posted...

I've never once done cocaine or whatever the people here want to legalize. Because I know drugs are bad, maybe you missed that memo.

Literally who has ever had cocaine as their go to "legalize this drug" choice? Please explain.

Full_Pokedex posted...

I've never once done cocaine or whatever the people here want to legalize. Because I know drugs are bad, maybe you missed that memo.

Im not gonna say anything because ill surely get modded.

Dont speak from a point of such absurd ignorance.

Full_Pokedex posted...

I've never once done cocaine or whatever the people here want to legalize. Because I know drugs are bad, maybe you missed that memo.

You're also in your 30s and can't go to the store by yourself.

Please stop, Duncan.

Rosstin316 posted...

Im not gonna say dont do drugs because there are a ton of legitimate medical reasons to do drugs, but if you do have to do them, for the love of God, dont just get them from some fucking random guy with face tattoos and white guy dreadlocks, go to a doctor and get them prescribed.

And if you dont have a legitimate medical reason to do them, just dont fucking do them. Because odds are youre gonna be getting them from face tattoos and white guy dreadlocks guy, its gonna be laced, and youre gonna die, so theres not much society can do for you besides use you as an example for other kids to not make the same mistake.

If it was just that easy, itd be great. But its not. Some people just enjoy using drugs and they shouldnt die for it. Not having to trust shady dealers is one reason why many want drugs to be at least decriminalized.

It shouldnt be just dont do drugs it should be do drugs safely. But with our current system every precaution can be taken and you can still end up dead/in jail

Full_Pokedex posted...

I've never once done cocaine or whatever the people here want to legalize. Because I know drugs are bad, maybe you missed that memo.

Stop posting, eat the dino nuggies your mom bought you, and go to bed at 6pm like she told you to. Be a good boy, Duncan.

a-c-a-b posted...

You're also in your 30s and can't go to the store by yourself.

Please stop, Duncan.

I dont understand how someone can be that ignorant. Like they just do not even fucking understand how anything works and yet speak so confidently about it

If someones reason for using drugs is I just like to get high and its enough that theyre willing to risk getting mystery drugs illegally from some guy, its really hard to feel bad for them. Theyre being very stupid and thats a risk theyre choosing to take.

The solution shouldnt be make illegal drugs safer so we can safely get high, it should be dont do drugs unless you have a legitimate medical reason and obtain them legally from a doctor.

Rosstin316 posted...

The solution shouldnt be make illegal drugs safer so we can safely get high, it should be dont do drugs unless you have a legitimate medical reason and obtain them legally from a doctor.

The people here don't like this logic even though it's true.

Rosstin316 posted...

If someones reason for using drugs is I just like to get high and its enough that theyre willing to risk getting mystery drugs illegally from some guy, its really hard to feel bad for them. Theyre being very stupid and thats a risk theyre choosing to take.

The solution shouldnt be make illegal drugs safer so we can safely get high, it should be dont do drugs unless you have a legitimate medical reason and obtain them legally from a doctor.

People are going to do drugs. Life is fucking hard sometimes and people WILL find ways to escape, even briefly. Not all drugs are going to ruin your life if you take them safely.

Alcohol is objectively worse than many drugs, and yet its available on every street corner. Why does that one get to be legal and thus safe?

Full_Pokedex posted...

The people here don't like this logic even though it's true.

Shut the fuck up because you have no idea what youre talking about.

Rosstin316 posted...

If someones reason for using drugs is I just like to get high and its enough that theyre willing to risk getting mystery drugs illegally from some guy, its really hard to feel bad for them. Theyre being very stupid and thats a risk theyre choosing to take.

The solution shouldnt be make illegal drugs safer so we can safely get high, it should be dont do drugs unless you have a legitimate medical reason and obtain them legally from a doctor.

Remember when you were making posts about how "exceptionally liberal" you are, and you thought people actually bought it?

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

People are going to do drugs. Life is fucking hard sometimes and people WILL find ways to escape, even briefly. Not all drugs are going to ruin your life if you take them safely.

Alcohol is objectively worse than many drugs, and yet its available on every street corner. Why does that one get to be legal and thus safe?

Oh I completely agree that alcohol should be treated exactly the same as any other drug, youll get no argument from me there. It should either be banned or the other stuff should be made legal with the same restrictions.

But theres no way im gonna agree that its okay for people to do illegal drugs just because life is hard sometimes, find another way to cope. Billions of other people do. Or if you might have legitimate depression or anxiety, obtain a legal prescription of the legal unlaced version at a safe dosage from a doctor. You are running the risk of getting mystery drugs from a random guy, and thats on you. The drug youre trying to take may not be life endangering, but the version some guy is giving you absolutely is, so dont be stupid.

Dudebusters posted...

Remember when you were making posts about how "exceptionally liberal" you are, and you thought people actually bought it?

How the fuck is what im saying a hot take or right wing belief?

Fentanyl test kits are cheap, easy to get, and easy to use. If youre going to do any drugs, make sure you test them first!

Rosstin316 posted...

Oh I completely agree that alcohol should be treated exactly the same as any other drug, youll get no argument from me there. It should either be banned or the other stuff should be made legal with the same restrictions.

But theres no way im gonna agree that its okay for people to do illegal drugs just because life is hard sometimes, find another way to cope. Billions of other people do. Or if you might have legitimate depression or anxiety, obtain a legal prescription of the legal unlaced version at a safe dosage from a doctor. You are running the risk of getting mystery drugs from a random guy, and thats on you. The drug youre trying to take may not be life endangering, but the version some guy is giving you absolutely is, so dont be stupid.

I just dont see why you want to make life harder for people when it doesnt need to be. If someone wants to smoke weed or do LSD why should they die for it? Why cant these things be legal or decriminalized?

Should people just be put in prison or die from being laced because you dont agree with their coping methods?

MICHALECOLE posted...

Fentanyl test kits are cheap, easy to get, and easy to use. If youre going to do any drugs, make sure you test them first!

Absolutely. Fent laced drugs are terrifying, and are showing up in drugs that dont have anything to do with it.

Rosstin316 posted...

How the fuck is what im saying a hot take or right wing belief?

Gee, I don't know, 2023 alt missing over half of their karma who regularly posts right wing beliefs but insists they're "exceptionally liberal."

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

I just dont see why you want to make life harder for people when it doesnt need to be. If someone wants to smoke weed or do LSD why should they die for it? Why cant these things be legal or decriminalized?

Should people just be put in prison or die from being laced because you dont agree with their coping methods?

Those are two separate arguments. I agree with taking the proper unlaced version of those drugs legally as a way to cope with whatever affliction youre dealing with as prescribed by a doctor. Hell id even agree with legalizing them just like alcohol so they can be regulated by the FDA. I think both alcohol and those drugs should be legal in the same way, or neither should. Though im not sure how that would solve the crisis of overdoses, but thats a different conversation. I dont agree with taking illegal mystery drugs simply because you enjoy getting high, since theyre coming from some guy and can often be way more dangerous than what you think theyll be. And if someone chooses to do that, its a risk theyre choosing to run so its hard to feel bad for them. If this is considered a hot or right wing take then holy shit.

Dudebusters posted...

Gee, I don't know, 2023 alt missing over half of their karma who regularly posts right wing beliefs but insists they're "exceptionally liberal."

Fuck I have no good comeback so ill just call him an alt! Also LOL WTF, youre a 2010 account with 163 karma. Shut the fuck up.

Rosstin316 posted...

Those are two separate arguments. I agree with taking the proper unlaced version of those drugs legally as a way to cope with whatever affliction youre dealing with as prescribed by a doctor. Hell id even agree with legalizing them just like alcohol so they can be regulated by the FDA. I think both alcohol and those drugs should be legal in the same way, or neither should. Though im not sure how that would solve the crisis of overdoses, but thats a different conversation. I dont agree with taking illegal mystery drugs simply because you enjoy getting high, since theyre coming from some guy and can often be way more dangerous than what you think theyll be. And if someone chooses to do that, its a risk theyre choosing to run so its hard to feel bad for them. If this is considered a hot or right wing take then holy shit.

in our current system, many drugs can only be obtained from dealing with shady people. Thats literally my point of why many of these drugs should be decriminalized/legalized. No doctor is gonna prescribe you LSD, which is currently a felony to possess. Weed oils in many red states are a felony to possess. This enables cartels and other shady businessman.

I cant call people who buy drugs from dealers stupid, because they legitimately might have no other option. If you want weed and live in a state that will put you in jail for it, who else are you supposed to get it from?

Rosstin316 posted...

Fuck I have no good comeback so ill just call him an alt! Also LOL WTF, youre a 2010 account with 163 karma. Shut the fuck up.

Yes, and yet I'm extremely honest about my beliefs, to a fault, Mr. "Exceptionally Liberal." Wonder why people tend to never have a problem with me being an alt? It's almost like it's because I'm very honest and consistent in how I portray myself. Weird, yeah?

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

in our current system, many drugs can only be obtained from dealing with shady people. Thats literally my point of why many of these drugs should be decriminalized/legalized. No doctor is gonna prescribe you LSD, which is currently a felony to possess. Weed oils in many red states are a felony to possess. This enables cartels and other shady businessman.

I cant call people who buy drugs from dealers stupid, because they legitimately might have no other option. If you want weed and live in a state that will put you in jail for it, who else are you supposed to get it from?

I feel like were going in circles here so were just gonna have to agree to disagree.

We do agree that these drugs should be treated with the same legality as alcohol. However if these drugs are illegal in your state and you think you need them, I think you should obtain them legally from a doctor so you dont risk your life getting them from a dealer. If a doctor wont prescribe them to you because you dont medically need them and just want to get high so youll choose to get mystery drugs from a random guy, thats a dumb decision youre making which could have deadly consequences. I also disagree that drugs are the ONLY solution to feel better, because billions of other people find other healthier ways to cope with life, and I think you should find yours instead of getting every flavor beans from Post Malone.

So yeah, well just agree to disagree I guess.

We disagree on the idea that drugs need a medically prescribed reason to be used. I think thats frankly an ignorant argument.

Some drugs do, some dont. If a doctor wont prescribe a person weed, I dont think they should just not be able to use it

Also, for the record, I'm only an "alt" in the sense that I closed my last account on a drunken whim, yet I'm sure observant people know who I actually am by now. Regardless, I've never portrayed myself to be anything other than what I say I am, unlike Mr. "Exceptionally Liberal" who regularly posts right wing shit.

ssb_yunglink2 posted...

We disagree that drugs need a medically prescribed reason to be used. I think thats frankly an ignorant argument.

And I think doing illegal drugs from some guy just because you like getting high and not having any personal responsibility if it goes bad is a stupid argument, so again well agree to disagree.

Rosstin316 posted...

And I think doing illegal drugs from some guy just because you like getting high and not having any personal responsibility if it goes bad is a stupid argument, so again well agree to disagree.

So you just straight up think these people deserve to die?

personal responsibility is a right wing dog whistle, and i really hope you arent using it like this.

Of course I dont think they deserve to die, but I think theyre making a very stupid decision and, to save their life, they should not make that decision.

Rosstin316 posted...

And I think doing illegal drugs from some guy just because you like getting high and not having any personal responsibility if it goes bad is a stupid argument, so again well agree to disagree.

Their entire point is they wouldn't have to if certain drugs weren't rather pointlessly illegal in the first place.

Rosstin316 posted...

Of course I dont think they deserve to die, but I think theyre making a very stupid decision and, to save their life, they should not make that decision.

Again, if only life was that simple and black and white. But its not.