Analyze the following scenario and explain the likely difference in outcomes for the two individuals, basing your reasoning on the properties of the substances involved.

Comparative Risk of Opioid Use

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanyl are exceptionally potent. Their inclusion in the heroin supply dramatically increased the danger to users, as even a very small quantity of these substances can be enough to trigger a fatal overdose.

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To maintain affordability and enhance the drug's effects, heroin dealers began mixing it with more powerful synthetic opioids. Common additives included fentanyl and carfentanyl, which significantly increased the potency of the heroin being sold.

Adulteration of Heroin with Synthetic Opioids

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

High Potency and Overdose Risk of Synthetic Opioids

A public health report notes a paradoxical trend in a city's illicit drug market: the average street price for a dose of what is sold as heroin has decreased, yet the rate of fatal overdoses among its users has dramatically increased. Which of the following provides the most logical explanation for this combination of market and health outcomes?

Based on the provided scenario, what is the most likely pharmacological reason for the simultaneous decrease in price and increase in fatal overdoses? Explain your reasoning.

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