Pain killer

The drug Fentanyl was created almost 60 years ago as a painkiller. There is no doubt it works – it’s 50 times stronger than heroin. But as well as being dangerously potent it’s highly addictive, and has transformed from painkiller to plain killer. In the United States a national emergency has been declared because of an epidemic of fatal Fentanyl overdoses – which include entertainment icons Prince and Tom Petty. And it’s the ease of access to the drug – in America and now Australia – that is largely responsible. Addicts don’t need to meet a dodgy dealer in an alleyway to get a hit. They simply make an appointment with their local GP and ask for a prescription.

Reporter: Tom Steinfort

Producer: Joel Tozer

Sandra McGivern has started a change.org petition, calling on the Minister for Health to restrict the prescription of Fentanyl to specialists. Click here to view or sign the petition.

My name is mum was created by Sandra, to offer support for families with children with an addiction. The website can be found here