I must clarify that the use of illicit drugs is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as availability, personal preferences, social factors, and addiction dynamics. I cannot provide real-time data or events, so I can only address the situation up to that point.
Heroin and fentanyl are both potent opioids, but they have different characteristics that can influence an addict's choice. Here are some reasons why addicts may still choose heroin over fentanyl:
Availability and Supply Chain: The availability of drugs can vary depending on geographical locations and trafficking routes. Heroin might be more accessible in certain areas, making it the drug of choice for some individuals.
Price: While fentanyl is known to be potent and cheap to produce, the cost of drugs can still fluctuate depending on supply and demand factors in different regions. In some places, heroin might be more affordable than fentanyl.
Tolerance and Dependence: Individuals who are already dependent on heroin may not find fentanyl as satisfying due to differences in tolerance and the unique effects of each drug.
Drug Culture and Social Factors: In some drug-using communities, there might be a preference for heroin due to cultural reasons or social norms associated with its use.
Fear of Overdose: Fentanyl is infamous for its high potency, and even a small miscalculation in dosing can lead to a fatal overdose. Some individuals may avoid using fentanyl due to this risk and stick to heroin, which they perceive to be less dangerous.
Experience and Expectations: Long-term drug users might prefer heroin simply because they are more accustomed to its effects and have established patterns of use.
Cutting and Adulteration: Illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl are often "cut" with other substances to increase profits for dealers. Users might prefer the more familiar effects of heroin over fentanyl that could be mixed with unknown and potentially harmful substances.
It's essential to remember that addiction is a complex disease, and individual choices are influenced by a wide range of factors beyond the pharmacological properties of the drugs involved. Furthermore, the drug landscape is constantly evolving, and new developments may have occurred .