The Role of Health Literacy in Vulnerability to Fentanyl Use and Dependence

Abstract

Maria Nascimento Cunha*

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a major factor in the current opioid crisis, responsible for a sharp increase in addiction and overdose deaths, particularly in North America. Its exceptional pharmacodynamics, the variability of its concentration on illicit markets, and barriers to accessing care significantly increase the risks for users. This literature review examines the role of health literacy in vulnerability to fentanyl addiction and in the effectiveness of prevention and management strategies. Studies indicate that high health literacy promotes more appropriate use of treatments, reduces misuse behaviors, and increases the use of risk reduction measures. Conversely, insufficient literacy is associated with dosing errors, misinterpretation of dangers, limited access to services, and an increased likelihood of dependence and overdose. Despite its importance, opioid-specific health literacy remains a largely unexplored field, particularly among the most at-risk populations. The findings highlight the need to strengthen health literacy through culturally appropriate educational interventions, more accessible communication within healthcare systems, and targeted strategies to reduce inequalities in the context of the fentanyl crisis.

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