You may be someone who feels the need to help others out of difficult situations. Now that a loved one is facing criminal charges for drug-related activity, you may feel as if you need to find information that could potentially help his or her case. Though this obligation is not necessarily yours to bear, you still feel the need to take action.
One step you may feel particularly compelled to take is to learn more about the substance that authorities have accused your loved one of possessing or even dealing. In this case, that substance is fentanyl. You may have heard of this substance due to the number of overdoses and other issues that have occurred in recent years due to its illegal use.
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
Fentanyl is a controlled substance that doctors can prescribe to patients. When used properly and under medical supervision, it can help relieve pain for individuals who do not find relief through other pain-relief medications. This substance is a synthetic opioid and, just like other opioids, has an addictive quality. This substance is also described as having similar characteristics to morphine, but fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Not only is fentanyl dangerous because it is addictive, it is also dangerous because it can lead to overdoses. In some cases, drug dealers may put fentanyl into other substances, like cocaine or heroin, and if a user does not know that it contains fentanyl, the side effects could prove serious or even fatal.
How did your loved one get involved?
Unfortunately, when someone struggles with a drug problem, many circumstances could have led him or her to this situation. Your loved one may have received a prescription for fentanyl, and even when taken properly, he or she may have become addicted. It is also possible that your loved one became addicted due to using fentanyl without knowing. Whatever the case, the addiction may have led to his or her current predicament in which he or she faces drug charges.
How can you help?
Though your loved one has the obligation of handling his or her legal case, you may still find it helpful to gain information on possible criminal defense options. Providing your loved one with information may help him or her find the best possible legal routes for the case, and it may also be wise to encourage your loved one to speak to an Indiana attorney.
