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Fentanyl, a dangerous drug cartel and local drug traffickers sneak into heroin and even into pills, contributing to 763 deaths in Kentucky last year – more than double the deaths related to heroin. heroin, including crystalline methamphetamines, so pure now that they are called "ice", depending on the cases where toxicological tests were conducted.

According to an annual report released Wednesday by the Office of Drug Control Policy of Kentucky, the numbers for all drugs have risen by more than 11% in the Commonwealth from 2016 to 2017, resulting in the death of 1,565 people .

Gabapentin, a popular drug long touted as a safe alternative to opioid analgesics, has appeared in 31 percent of overdose deaths in the state. This is more than the known cases of heroin, detected in 22%, although some deaths attributed to morphine could be heroin that is metabolized over time.

Gabapentin would not be the cause of the more potent drugs like heroin, Fentanyl was also detected – but it could have been a contributor, said Rachel Vickers Smith, an assistant professor at the University of Louisville School of Nursing.

U de L published a publication on the drug in February, warning: "In the midst of opioid epidemic, the abuse of a different prescription pain reliever has largely gone unnoticed." L & # 39; University is lobbying for more drug awareness and research, sold under the Neurontin brand and others.

The warning of a mother: He assured me that he had drug use under control; now it is dead

The threat "ice": The Mexican drug cartels saturate the United States with the most lethal methamphetamine

Alprazolam, a anti-anxiety drug that can be fatal According to the state report, Jefferson County has recorded the highest number of deaths – and the largest increase has gone from 364 deaths in 2016 to 426 l. last year. . The Fayette, Campbell and Kenton countries also had substantial peaks.

The report "highlights how much is at stake," said governor Matt Bevin in a written statement, promising to use all available resources to reduce drug abuse. "This is a fight we must win for the good of our families, our communities and the Commonwealth as a whole," he wrote

If you became addicted, find a cure on findhelpnowky.org. ] Reporter Beth Warren: [email protected]; 502-582-7164; Twitter @BethWarrenCJ. Support a strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/bethw.[19459040Äù19659010'

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