Fentanyl has rapidly replaced heroin as the primary opioid in Alaska’s drug supply, mirroring national trends and posing significant public health and safety challenges. This potent synthetic drug, which is considerably cheaper than heroin, has profound implications, particularly for street drug users. Data from law enforcement, non-profits, and users highlight a dramatic rise in fentanyl use, with heroin almost disappearing from the scene. Alaska’s market dynamics allow drugs to be sold at much higher prices, especially in rural areas. Fentanyl often arrives in counterfeit pill form, marked to resemble legitimate pharmaceuticals, contributing to its widespread availability.

As the drug’s prevalence has increased, so has the demand for naloxone (branded as Narcan), an anti-overdose medication, which now sees widespread distribution. The shift from injecting to smoking drugs has been noted, as smoking is perceived as less risky than injecting, though it produces a less intense high. The rise of fentanyl is also linked to polysubstance use, where users combine it with other drugs like methamphetamine. Reports indicate that fentanyl’s rapid effects can lead to severe deterioration in users, faster than with heroin. This change in the drug landscape underscores the urgent need for continued public health interventions and support.

Source: Anchorage Daily News