Debunking the Fentanyl Exposure Myth: An In-Depth Review

The Fentanyl Exposure Debate: Dr. Ryan Marino’s Perspective

A personal note here: Hello! I have had this article on my mind for a while, and it is essential to share. There is so much misinformation out there about Fentanyl, and it reminds me of how FEAR is constantly used as a tactic to prevent substance use, which is ineffective. I have been following Dr. Marino for some time on social media, and his message is important, so it has to be discussed here. This article has been co-authored with Sarah Tapia, RN; her bio can be found at the bottom. There are also resources listed for those who may be impacted by a loved one with an addiction.

The emergence of Fentanyl — a synthetic opioid known for its potency — has escalated concerns to unprecedented levels and lies at the center of a devastating opioid crisis gripping public health.

As the opioid epidemic continues to claim lives and strain communities, a new cultural trend has emerged where police officers are filing reports claiming that incidental Fentanyl exposures are causing fatal overdoses in the field. The media is sensationalizing these accounts, thus contributing to developing a harmful cultural phenomenon.

The narrative surrounding these fentanyl exposures with police officers has taken center stage, sparking debates that underscore the urgency of effective response strategies.