243 ‒ The fentanyl crisis and why everyone should be paying attention | Anthony Hipolito

Summary

In this episode of the Drive podcast, host Peter Attia interviews Anthony, a former law enforcement officer who worked on battling drug cartels and is now part of the community outreach unit in Hays County. The discussion centers around the growing prevalence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is being increasingly used by Mexican drug cartels. Fentanyl is much more potent than other drugs like morphine and can be lethal in small doses. The drug attacks the respiratory system and slows down the body's functions, which can lead to death. The conversation also touches on the history of drug enforcement and the transition from traditional drugs like cocaine and heroin to prescription painkillers like oxycodone and Percocet.

The podcast discusses the increasing prevalence of fentanyl overdoses among young people, particularly in the United States. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for young people aged 18-45. Mexican cartels are targeting young people by producing "candy fentanyl" that looks like candy and is smuggled into the country in candy boxes. Fentanyl is cheap to produce and easy to smuggle, and law enforcement is struggling to keep up with the influx of the drug.

The episode discusses the issue of drug distribution and overdose in schools and communities. Social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram are used to sell and buy drugs, making it difficult for authorities to trace the source of these drugs. The distribution of drugs is a complex enterprise with multiple layers of intermediaries involved. Overdose cases are attended to by narcotic experts who try to trace the source of the drugs and bring the sellers to justice.

The podcast discusses the prevalence of fentanyl in various drugs, including cocaine, ketamine, opioids, benzos, and even marijuana and vapes. Drug dealers are lacing their products with fentanyl to make them more potent and addictive, leading to a rise in overdose deaths. The speaker emphasizes the importance of parents being vigilant and educating themselves about social media and drug use.

The episode also discusses the importance of having Narcan on hand in case of a drug overdose, especially since fentanyl and its derivatives are becoming more prevalent. It is recommended that parents have Narcan at home and easily accessible in case someone in their household or a guest experiences an overdose. The speaker also suggests being vigilant about social media and drug dealers offering drugs on Snapchat. Overall, the context emphasizes the importance of being prepared for a potential overdose and taking steps to prevent it from happening.