U.S. attack on Venezuela fuels conversation about fentanyl

Meanwhile, an executive order designating fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” sparked confusion online.

After the U.S. military detained Venezuela’s president on charges of drug trafficking, social media users discussed the global sale of illicit drugs, and some expressed concern about fentanyl deaths in the U.S. Plus, a new executive order designating illicit fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” sparked confusion about access to prescription opioids, and a recent article ignited concern about the side effects of gabapentin, a medication sometimes used to manage nerve pain and other types of pain.

Given these discussions, communicators may recirculate information about overdose prevention tools and pain management.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

On January 3, the U.S. military detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and brought them to New York, where they were charged in federal court with cocaine trafficking and collaborating with drug cartels designated as terrorist groups. The next day, in response to criticisms of U.S. military intervention abroad, Vice President JD Vance shared an X post defending previous U.S. attacks on Venezuelan boats that were accused of allegedly trafficking fentanyl. His post garnered approximately 12 million views, 226,000 likes, 40,000 reposts, and 23,000 comments as of January 6. While most online conversation debated the motivation behind attacks on Venezuela, some posts focused on the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., with some social media users saying that Maduro deserves to be punished for allegedly bringing fentanyl into the U.S. Social media users also discussed losing loved ones to fentanyl overdoses.

On December 15, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and announced plans to further investigate and prosecute drug traffickers and enact stricter sentences for drug trafficking. Drug policy experts quoted in articles about the order doubted that it would prevent U.S. overdose deaths or impede the illegal sale of fentanyl. Some social media users echoed that stance, calling the executive order “political theater” and “propaganda” for the U.S. military’s intervention in Venezuela. Others expressed support for the executive order and hoped that it would curtail overdose deaths. Social media users also expressed confusion about what the designation means, wondering if it will impact access to fentanyl in hospital settings or to prescription opioids.

On December 24, the Wall Street Journal published an article raising concern about gabapentin, which is approved for seizures and nerve pain and is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat other types of pain—like migraines—and anxiety. The article noted that the medication has become a popular alternative to opioids for chronic pain patients. However, a growing body of research suggests that long-term use may be linked to dementia and other health problems. Social media users across platforms discussed the article. Some shared their own experiences with gabapentin side effects or withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medication. Others described gabapentin as “lifesaving,” saying that it helped them manage chronic pain and improved their quality of life. A few social media users questioned whether there are any safe medications for pain management.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.

As political and military action continues to fuel news coverage and conversation about the U.S. drug crisis, community members may have additional questions about fentanyl. These conversations provide an opportunity to stress that fentanyl is a potent opioid that is involved in most U.S. overdose deaths. Fentanyl is also often unknowingly mixed with other drugs, which increases the risk of overdose. Communicators may explain that fentanyl test strips help people determine whether their drugs contain fentanyl so they can make educated decisions about drug use. However, they are not legal everywhere, so ensuring that any messaging reflects your state’s drug checking equipment laws is recommended. Messaging may also note that anyone can carry and use naloxone to reverse an overdose on fentanyl or other opioids. Outlining the signs of an opioid overdose and sharing where to access naloxone and how to use it is recommended.

Questions about access to prescription opioids are an opportunity to explain that these drugs are still available in medical settings while also highlighting their risks. Messaging may emphasize that anyone can develop opioid use disorder, even if they are prescribed opioids by a doctor. People who need prescription pain management should talk to their health care provider about their medical history and other medications they take to determine the safest pain management options for them. Communicators may also want to outline tips for talking to health care providers about pain.

Conversations about chronic pain frequently bring up questions about how to safely manage pain. Recent discussion about gabapentin may explain that like any medication, it may cause side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, and memory problems. Messaging may emphasize that patients should follow all directions when taking gabapentin and consult a health care provider before stopping the medication. Messaging may also urge people experiencing chronic pain to talk to their health care provider about options, including medications and non-medication alternatives.