Top-Rated Fentanyl and Other Illegal Drug Possession Lawyer in Phoenix Arizona
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Top-Rated Fentanyl and Other Illegal Drug Possession Lawyer in Phoenix Arizona
Have you been charged with fentanyl or any kind of illegal drug possession, use, or sales? You will need a top rated fentanyl and illegal drug possession lawyer in Phoenix. We will go into a general discussion of fentanyl, what it is and how to defend it.
But if you have been accused and need a top rated fentanyl and other illegal drug possession lawyer in Phoenix, you might very well be very nervous and scared about the charge for yourself and/or your loved ones. If that’s the case and want help right away, please call us for a free consultation at any time. Our phone number is 602-324-5300. Call now for your consultation.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a drug that is legally prescribed for moderate to extreme and/or ongoing (chronic) pain relief due to breakthrough cancer and other severe pain cases. It can also be used during surgery as an anesthetic to relieve pain and suffering.
Fentanyl is related to morphine and is a synthetic, or man-made, opioid. It is about 100 times stronger than morphine and about 50 time stronger than heroin. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful drug – only a few micrograms of pure fentanyl are needed for the proper pain relief. Fentanyl works by increasing dopamine levels in the body which produces a state of relaxation along with relieving pain, decreases the feeling of suffering, and makes the person feel euphoric. Keep in mind that getting caught with it could require the need for a top rated fentanyl and other illegal drug possession lawyer in Phoenix to help you defend any drug charges.
Fentanyl is commercially produced under a number of brand names including Sublimaze, Durogesic, Duragesic, Lazanda, Nasalfent, Subsys, and Actiq. It’s use has numerous side effects including constricting the pupils and depressing the respiratory system including the cough reflex. It works very quickly but the effects only last for about 30-60 minutes. However, a patch is available that provides longer-term relief.
Effects are different for everyone, however, and depend primarily on the person’s overall state of health, weight, height, the amount ingested, and whether it was taken with other drugs as well as whether the person is used to taking opioids. Fentanyl users develop tolerance to it which means that more of the drug must be taken for the same effects.
Fentanyl Abuse
If you are abusing fentanyl and you get caught, you will probably need the services of a top rated fentanyl and other illegal drug possession lawyer in Phoenix. Fentanyl, because of its euphoric properties, started being abused as a recreational drug in the late 1970’s. However, abuse numbers have climbed a lot in the last 5 to 10 years and is beginning to reach epidemic proportions in some areas of Arizona.
The truly bad thing about fentanyl is that due to its extreme strength, its potential for the consequences of death are extreme.
In Arizona from 2015 to 2017, the death rate from fentanyl has increased from 72 cases in 2015 to 267 in 2017, a 270% percent increase in just 2 years (source: AZ Family). In 2019, over 1400 deaths have occurred due to overdose (Source)
Also, fentanyl has been named the deadliest drug in America according to the CDC. Abuse has reached critical levels in Arizona. Part of the reason for this is because heroin users may not know they are getting fentanyl. Therefore, they are more likely to overdose on it due to its higher concentration level. If you have been charged with possession, you will want to retain a top rated fentanyl and other illegal drug possession lawyer in Phoenix. Fortunately, there is an overdose reversal drug employed when possible that has saved lives. That drug is Naloxone.
Can You Get Off of Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is known by many names on the street, including TNT, serial killer, murder 9, China girl, and goodfella. Other names include drop dead, China white, shine, Apache, dance fever, jackpot, Great Bear, He-Man, Poison, Tango & Cash, and percopop. In Arizona, they are known as Mexican Percocets.
After an addiction to fentanyl has happened, withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use of the drug can occur. They include agitation, dilated pupils, chills, goosebumps, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhea, hot and cold flashes, anxiety, insomnia, and severe generalized pain. When someone is fully hooked on fentanyl, they can think of nothing else but getting their next fix. They will stop at nothing to get it. Trying to get off of it is extremely difficult, especially in the beginning.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can start very quickly (within 12 hours) and may last for up to a week. Withdrawal can be eased by de-toxing and taking monitored doses of other opioids and weaning off over time. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug because it can so easily be abused and cause the death of the person taking it. Its unauthorized use, distribution, or manufacture can have serious legal consequences.
Arizona’s Fentanyl Action Plan
Arizona has also put a plan into place to help fentanyl abusers the right way. The plan is meant to help people that are addicted to fentanyl, those that may be overdosing on it and to combat the rise in unintentional deaths from it.
The plan is called the Opioid Action Plan. The purpose was to reducing fentanyl misuse, promoting safe prescriptions and dispensing, and improving access to treatment. Through this and other programs, Arizona has put a limit on Doc Shopping (getting the same prescription from more than one doctor).
Arizona has also trained over 1200 first responders that carry Naloxone and established safe medication disposal locations. A drug overdose review team has also been formed and limits have been placed on first fills for opioids. Lastly Arizona increased the budget for opioid treatment and prevention care. Doctors and pharmacies have been tasked with helping to prevent fentanyl abuse, as well. They may face legal consequences if they are not looking out for symptoms of over-purchasing and abuse.
The Arizona Opioid Action Plan also includes a Good Samaritan clause for someone that sees someone else overdosing, even if they are using the drug themselves. That person can call the authorities and medical help without fear of arrest themselves. This has been effective in other states at reducing the number of fentanyl caused deaths by about 10% over states that do not have a Good Samaritan clause in place. For further information on the Arizona Opioid Action Plan, see this pdf document.
Illegal Drug Possession Lawyer In Phoenix
If you are in need of a top rated fentanyl and other illegal drug possession lawyer in Phoenix, we can help. Ulises Ferragut has defended many high-profile cases over the years and he stands ready to help you. Give us a call today and let us show you how we can help – we give free consultations. With over 20 years of experience defending drug crime cases, we are fully able and qualified to help you with yours. Call 602-324-5300 today for your free consultation.