If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, know that you are not alone. Our team of medical, clinical, and wellness experts are here to help you break free from addiction and achieve the happy, healthy life you deserve.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become a significant contributor to the devastating drug overdose crisis plaguing the United States. Originally developed as a painkiller, this potent substance is now increasingly found in illicit drug supplies, playing a significant role in rising addiction and overdose rates across the nation.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.
The chemical composition of fentanyl is C22H28N2O
As one of the most powerful and high-risk opioids on the market, the drug is extremely dangerous and the cause behind countless drug overdose deaths. Though it is often used in medical settings to treat patients during and after surgery, it is frequently misused. One of the primary reasons fentanyl is so deadly is because it is difficult to determine what dosage will cause a fatal impact. Individuals often unknowingly take it with other drugs, which increases their risk of drug overdose. In fact, drug dealers may lace drugs with fentanyl, creating counterfeit pills, because it is powerful and inexpensive to produce.
Fentanyl’s ability to absorb into the skin poses additional danger when the drug becomes airborne. However, you can’t overdose or experience the symptoms of taking an opioid simply by touching the drug in any form. It is true that is absorbs into the skin, but it would take as long as several days for you to be exposed. If you use hand sanitizer or bleach, it can accelerate the exposure. If you’ve touched fentanyl by accident, simply wash your hands immediately.
Fentanyl’s effects include
With repeated use, tolerance and addiction can develop. Long-term use can lead to dependence, making it difficult to quit without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has a devastating impact on multiple organ systems. Its primary target is the central nervous system, where it binds to opioid receptors, causing respiratory depression, which can lead to overdose and death. This respiratory depression can also lead to hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen to the body’s tissues, which can damage organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Even those taking prescription fentanyl as directed can develop dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. These symptoms, which can begin hours after the last dose, include
The opioid crisis has evolved, with overdose deaths now primarily driven by illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Synthetic opioid overdoses (e.g., fentanyl) increased 10-fold in the United States from 2013 to 2018, reflecting fentanyl’s potent and deadly impact. Certain populations, including those without health insurance, the incarcerated, and those living in poverty, face heightened risks of fatal fentanyl overdose. There are also the following factors to consider.
Addressing the addiction side of the fentanyl crisis is crucial, as even those who start using prescribed fentanyl can quickly develop an addiction.
When an individual takes a toxic amount of fentanyl or combines it with other drugs or alcohol, they can experience an overdose. Because drugs affect everyone differently, it is impossible to determine what dosage or combination has this effect. Signs of an overdose include:
Due to the increasing number of fentanyl-related overdoses, many individuals are beginning to carry naloxone (sold under the name Narcan). Narcan is a medicine designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Unfortunately, due to the potency of fentanyl, naloxone is not always successful at reviving those who have overdosed on the drug. Fentanyl test strips have also been introduced into the market, so drug users can check if there are traces of the deadly drug when it’s purchased off the street.
Given that opioid overdoses are particularly dangerous, individuals who overdose on opioids require immediate medical attention, even if they have been revived with naloxone.
To use Narcan, first, assess the situation for any signs of an overdose. Look for symptoms such as unconsciousness, slow or shallow breathing, and pinpoint pupils. If these signs are present, it is crucial to act quickly. Call 911 immediately for professional medical assistance FIRST.
Next, administer the Narcan nasal spray or injection according to the instructions provided with the medication. The nasal spray is the most commonly used form of
naloxone and is easy to use. Remove the device from its packaging and hold it with your thumb on the bottom and two fingers on either side of the nozzle. Gently insert the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the person’s nose. Press the plunger firmly to release the medication. Repeat the process in the other nostril if necessary.
For the injectable form of Narcan, carefully read the instructions provided with the medication for proper administration. It typically involves using a syringe to inject the medication into a muscle, such as the thigh or upper arm. Make sure to follow all safety precautions, including using clean needles and disposing of them properly.
After administering Narcan, continue to monitor the person’s breathing and stay with them until medical help arrives. It is important to remember that Narcan is only a temporary solution and does not replace professional medical care. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for anyone who has experienced an opioid overdose, even if they have been revived with naloxone.
If someone is seeking help for fentanyl addiction, the first step is typically detoxification. During this process, patients are medically weaned off fentanyl until their withdrawal symptoms subside or become more manageable. From here, clients can decide on inpatient or outpatient treatment to further their recovery.
No matter which route someone takes (inpatient or outpatient), they typically have access to medication-assisted treatment, which likely began in detox. Medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone can help with cravings that could lead to relapse.
Aftercare support is also essential post-treatment, as detoxification is only the beginning of the journey. Those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) are usually urged to continue with outside therapy, find supportive networks such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and have supportive friends and family. With a multifaceted approach to treatment, recovery from fentanyl is possible, and those who once had active OUD can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, know that you are not alone. Our team of medical, clinical, and wellness experts are here to help you break free from addiction and achieve the happy, healthy life you deserve.