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National Fentanyl Awareness Day is a reminder of the devastating impact of opioid use disorder (OUD) on individuals, families, and communities. Across the nation on May 7th, fentanyl abuse is responsible for countless lives being lost to accidental overdoses. Hence, National Fentanyl Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of this potent synthetic opioid. At Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), we provide fentanyl recovery services, including Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT Services).

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. The drug is used by the medical community to manage severe pain, mainly in post-operative hospital settings. In addition, fentanyl has been used to manage pain in cancer patients near the end of life. However, the illegal drug’s illicit production and distribution have led to a surge in overdose deaths, with law enforcement agencies seizing increasing quantities of the drug each year.

Massive Seizures on National Fentanyl Awareness Day

On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, California highlights the battle in the state against the drug. Since the start of the year, 7,100 pounds of fentanyl and more than 3.4 million fentanyl pills have been seized across California. As Governor Gavin Newsome says, “As we recognize the serious dangers of illegal fentanyl, California is continuing to tackle this issue head-on. Our efforts are getting this poison off our streets and out of our communities as we continue to support people struggling with substance use.”

In Washington, to mark the first-ever National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2022, the DEA Museum opened the Faces of Fentanyl exhibit at DEA Headquarters. The memorial wall, which now features more than 5,000 photos of Americans lost to the fentanyl crisis, is an active memorial for families and friends. The visceral monument is a powerful illustration of the deadliest drug threat in the United States. In 2022, 107,941 Americans died from drug poisonings, with a staggering 70% of those deaths caused by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. Moreover, fentanyl is still the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45.

According to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, National Fentanyl Awareness Day is more crucial in 2024 than ever before. As Milgram explains, “Americans today are experiencing the most devastating drug crisis in our nation’s history… All Americans across the U.S., coast to coast, and every community in between have been harmed by fentanyl. Today, we honor the Americans whose lives we lost and call upon all Americans to raise public awareness.”

TTC and National Fentanyl Awareness Day

The significance of National Fentanyl Awareness Day extends beyond mere acknowledgment of a public health crisis. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive overdose prevention strategies and access to evidence-based treatments for OUD. Hence, TTC addresses these challenges by offering a range of services tailored to individuals struggling with fentanyl use and opioid use disorder.

Given the challenges, a crucial intervention is Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT Services). MAT Services combine FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Indeed, medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Moreover, these medications allow patients to focus on their recovery journey. Tarzana Treatment Centers prioritize the integration of MAT into their comprehensive treatment plans, recognizing its effectiveness in improving long-term outcomes for patients. Combined with overdose prevention efforts, MAT Services at TTC saves lives.

OUD Treatment at Tarzana Treatment Centers

In addition to MAT Services and overdose prevention efforts, National Fentanyl Awareness Day sheds light on the underlying factors contributing to the opioid epidemic, including stigma, lack of access to healthcare, and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing these systemic issues requires a multifaceted approach encompassing prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.

At Tarzana Treatment Centers, a commitment to holistic care guides the staff’s treatment approach to treating OUD. In addition to MAT, TTC’s programs incorporate individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, and support for co-occurring mental health disorders. By addressing the complex needs of each patient, Tarzana Treatment Centers strive to foster lasting recovery.

Furthermore, National Fentanyl Awareness Day is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Hence, we need to prioritize the expansion of treatment and support services for individuals affected by addiction. At TTC, we raise community awareness while promoting overdose prevention strategies. Moreover, we also expand access to evidence-based treatments like MAT Services. Thus, Tarzana Treatment Centers is leading the charge in the fight against fentanyl abuse.

Together, we can turn National Fentanyl Awareness Day into a national lifejacket. By first saving lives and offering treatment, we open the door to a positive future of lasting recovery.