"Fentanyl, the Leading Cause of Death in the US... Serious Abuse Issues in Korea Too"

Addiction Specialist: "Doctors and Medical Consumers Should Be Cautious About Drugs"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As fentanyl addiction emerges as a serious social issue in the United States, there are calls to raise awareness about fentanyl misuse in Korea as well.

Cheon Young-hoon, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment, appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun Political Show' on the 2nd and pointed out, "Considering the rapid increase in drug addicts currently, Korea is also becoming a very large (drug) market."

'Rainbow Fentanyl' with bright colors. Photo by Yonhap News, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website

Recently, the United States has been waging a war against fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid (narcotic analgesic) known for its strong addictiveness and toxicity over 50 times that of heroin. It is used only in cases of severe pain, such as in terminal cancer patients. The lethal dose of fentanyl is estimated to be 2㎖, and even minimal contact can threaten life, earning it the nickname "the devil's drug."

The problem is that deaths from fentanyl overdose are increasing in the U.S. According to foreign media, the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 49 last year was illegal fentanyl addiction.

Currently, the main production site of raw materials for illegally distributed fentanyl in the U.S. is China. Due to geographical proximity, there are concerns that fentanyl could spread to Korea as well. Dr. Cheon noted, "There have already been cases where various raw materials for methamphetamine and finished products have spread widely domestically through China."

In fact, fentanyl prescriptions in patch form are rapidly increasing in Korea. Dr. Cheon said, "Looking at last year's statistics, there was about a 67% increase over the past three years. It is unlikely that the number of surgical or cancer patients increased by 67% in three years, so it is more accurate to understand that fentanyl misuse is reaching a serious level."

He added, "Compared to the U.S., it is much easier to see specialists in Korea, and medical costs are cheaper. The problem is that addictive drugs obtainable through prescriptions, such as fentanyl, tranquilizers, or diet medications, are too easily accessible."

Dr. Cheon emphasized, "Since Korea is no longer a drug-free country, caution must be exercised when prescribing to patients. Doctors themselves need to have heightened awareness of drug addiction." He also said, "It is crucial for ordinary citizens, as medical consumers, to ask their doctors about the medications they are prescribed and to have awareness of addictive drugs."

Regarding addiction treatment, he stressed, "It is a globally recognized fact that simple punishment alone cannot solve the problem. Drug addiction is a disease of the brain, and national-level support and measures for treatment and rehabilitation are urgently needed."