「环时深度」作茧自缚——美国芬太尼危机的真相

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the opioid crisis in the United States, particularly focusing on the role of fentanyl and the pharmaceutical industry in exacerbating this issue. It highlights the U.S. government's tendency to blame China for the fentanyl problem while the root causes lie within the U.S. itself [1][2]. Group 1: Fentanyl Crisis Overview - The opioid crisis in the U.S. is closely linked to the widespread abuse of prescription opioids, which began in the 1990s with the aggressive marketing of drugs like OxyContin by Purdue Pharma [3]. - Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is significantly more potent than heroin, with a lethality that is 50 times stronger, leading to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths [2][4]. - In 2023, over 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S., with 74,702 of those deaths attributed to fentanyl, marking a staggering increase from just 730 deaths in 1999 due to fentanyl overdose [5][6]. Group 2: Pharmaceutical Industry's Role - The pharmaceutical industry has played a crucial role in the opioid crisis by downplaying the addictive nature of opioids and influencing regulatory policies through lobbying and political donations [9][10]. - The FDA has been criticized for its inadequate regulation of opioid medications, which has contributed to the ongoing crisis [9][10]. - The systemic issues within the U.S. healthcare and regulatory framework allow pharmaceutical companies to prioritize profits over consumer safety, perpetuating the cycle of addiction and overdose [10][11]. Group 3: Societal Impact - The fentanyl crisis has led to visible societal consequences, with many individuals becoming homeless and exhibiting severe addiction symptoms in urban areas like New York and San Francisco [6][7]. - The crisis disproportionately affects certain age groups, particularly adults aged 25 to 45, with the highest mortality rates observed in the 35-44 age bracket [6]. - The economic decline of the middle class and the loss of manufacturing jobs have been linked to increased drug use, as individuals turn to substances like fentanyl as a means of escape from their circumstances [7]. Group 4: Calls for Action - There is a growing demand for stricter regulations and harsher penalties for drug dealers, with some advocating for a zero-tolerance approach similar to that seen in China [8]. - Public awareness and education about the dangers of fentanyl and the need for better treatment options are essential in addressing the crisis [8][9].