Tennessee Takes Preventative Measures Against Drug Abuse

 Posted on September 11,2020 in Drug Crimes

Drug use often begins as a party tool at a young age and quickly transitions into full force addiction as time goes by. As of late, Tennessee’s district attorneys general have recognized the danger of fentanyl along with its recent resurgence in popularity, and are taking action to educate teens about this illegal substance. Because some controlled substances are more potent and dangerous than others, Tennessee divides these drugs into categories known as schedules, each of which increases in the severity of charge and consequence. Since many teens are unaware of the physical and legal consequences of fentanyl, a high number of Tennessee minors are getting involved with this substance and facing criminal drug charges as a result.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is steadily climbing its way to becoming the most dangerous drug in America. The United States has seen a significant rise in opioid usage, known as the opioid epidemic, and Tennessee is no exception. According to a report in The Tennessean, over 9,100 people in Tennessee have died of drug overdoses between 2013 and 2018, and over 70 percent of these deaths were partially caused by opioids, including fentanyl. 

The high use of fentanyl may not always be by choice. The district attorneys (DA) have stated that fentanyl has been disguised and sold as other drugs, leading people to unknowingly take the drug and accidentally take too much. With a lethal dosage of only 2 milligrams, roughly the weight of four grains of sand, it is no wonder why many Tennesseans are seeing the deadly results of this opioid. Not only is this drug physically dangerous, but it can also land users a sentence of 2-30 years in prison depending on their previous offenses. Tennesseans found selling or distributing the drug can even face life imprisonment.  

“Fentanyl: The Deadliest High”

Tennessee DAs have noted the significant danger that this substance poses on their citizens and have joined forces to launch a statewide awareness campaign. After speaking with a number of middle and high school focus groups, DAs discovered a lack of education and awareness of the significant dangers that opioids, and fentanyl specifically, pose on those who take the drug. The department is working to educate youth on the realities of addiction and overdose in an attempt to reduce this fentanyl’s hold over younger generations. With a social media campaign put in place, this statewide push to reduce drug use, addiction, and criminal charges is now underway. 

Contact a Knox County Drug Defense Lawyer

If you have an opioid dependency, you likely need assistance through rehabilitation and legal help if criminal charges are involved. Whether you intentionally or unintentionally took fentanyl and were caught doing so, our accomplished Knoxville, TN criminal defense attorney is here to help. Attorney Jeffrey Coller works with all levels of criminal cases, and he strives to put his clients at ease while doing so. He understands the impact that such charges can have on your everyday life and he will work tirelessly to defend your case. Contact us today at 865-281-1000 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2019/12/30/tennessee-drug-epidemic-opioids-overdoses-and-growing-crisis/4109064002/

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/od-epidemic/tn-dags-launch-statewide-campaign-to-fight-fentanyl/51-676d34d0-f6d8-4b83-99a0-54ebc0b6c9e7

https://discoveryplace.info/drug-laws-tennessee/