The US has really battled with the opioid crisis and even as we approach the end of 2024 that’s still the case as new strains find their way onto the street. In fact, as recent as July an opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl was discovered in New York’s drug supply. That has led to overdose deaths doubling, so what is the state of play today? And what is being done to try and calm the storm?
The Scope of Brooklyn’s Opioid Crisis
The public health storm around the new strain, carfentanil, has really cast the problem back into the limelight, with the strain powerful enough to sedate an elephant. It’s a far cry from the likes of heroin, which in itself has been blighting the streets and seeing huge rises in people requiring heroin rehab. In June, carfentanil was linked to seven fatal overdoses across the city and is believed to be mixed with fentanyl. Samples found in Brooklyn, as well as the Bronx and Manhattan, found this to be the case, making the situation a huge concern.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan told the New York Post: “Considering that carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, and the enormous number of lives fentanyl has claimed in our city, the mere presence of carfentanil in our drug supply is a matter of deep concern.” In 2022 alone, over 3,000 people died from overdoses in New York City, and as carfentanil spreads in the city, those numbers could be topped this year.
Progress in 2024
However, this year there have been significant moves to try and calm such a storm, which has largely come around “harm reduction” programs. Every school in New York City is now carrying Naloxone to reverse the effects of overdose, while all school nurses are now trained in administering it too.
Outside of schools, addicts are being provided with clean needles and counseling is in place to not use the drugs alone. Rachel Vick, a spokesperson for the Health Department in the city said, “Our goal is to reduce overdose death and improve lives by mitigating the risk of death for people who use drugs and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services when, where, and how they need it.”
On the treatment side, Brooklyn has seen an increase in access to medication-assisted treatment, which uses medications like methadone and buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction. These medications help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to recover from opioid dependence. Additionally, telehealth services for addiction treatment have expanded in 2024, offering more flexible and accessible care for Brooklyn residents.
Ongoing Challenges
Of course, there are still ongoing challenges though, particularly as more lethal strains continue to be found on the streets. Medetomidine has recently been found after tests on an opioid sample in the Bronx, and that’s causing huge problems in Chicago and Philadelphia, with it only a matter of time until it spreads into New York. Then there are also things like the cost of care. Government officials need to not only on harm reduction, but how people can get treatment. Sober houses and detox programs are out of reach for many people, making it impossible for those further down the socio-economic chain to break the cycle of addiction.
Looking Forward
As 2024 unfolds, the fight against Brooklyn’s opioid crisis is far from over. However, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The expansion of harm reduction programs, increased availability of naloxone, and broader access to medication-assisted treatment are all steps in the right direction. Still, the city must continue to address the root causes of addiction, including poverty, mental health, and access to education and employment opportunities, in order to make lasting progress.
In conclusion, while Brooklyn has made strides in combating the opioid crisis, significant work remains. The crisis has not yet fully abated, and continued efforts from government agencies, healthcare providers, and the community are essential in order to build a future where fewer lives are lost to opioid addiction.
