Fentanyl has made its way onto the streets of the United States. It has quickly become a problem and more people are dying from overdoses of this synthetic drug. This guide will be going over the ten important things that you need to know about it and what you can do to recover from fentanyl addiction.
If you or someone you know is dealing with an addiction, there is help available to you. Gallus Detox will have all your questions answered and you can get it from here on their website. Let’s begin the list of important things you need to know about fentanyl addiction.
Fentanyl is highly potent
Because of how potent it is, fentanyl is addictive. That’s because it is a short-acting drug that will waste little to no time giving a person that high. It happens to be a synthetic opioid and will provide you with effects similar to heroin.
Heroin and fentanyl are often combined for a more euphoric high. Oftentimes, one dose of this mixture can be fatal. What’s even alarming is a trace amount of fentanyl is enough to kill one person (and that’s not even the scariest fact we could come up with).
A small sandwich bag of fentanyl can be enough to kill hundreds of thousands if not millions if they are exposed to it at the same time.
It’s been a drug used in medical treatments
Like most drugs that get abused, fentanyl existed for certain medical purposes. Specifically, it was used to help treat cancer patients dealing with chronic pain. However, it would be used as a ‘last resort’ if their bodies had not been responding to other forms of treatment.
The sad part is that what seems to exist for the intent of helping others is often abused. This is the case with prescription opioids. Doctors prescribe it believing they are doing so in good faith.
However, the patient may find other plans using the drug (even to the point of abuse).
Fentanyl has been responsible for many opioid related deaths
In the previous decade, opioid related deaths have risen. The types of opioids involved, the synthetics (with the exception of methadone) have dominated the death toll numbers. Heroin and prescription opioid overdose deaths have also increased, but have been greatly outnumbered by the likes of fentanyl.
In 2013, fentanyl deaths were less compared to heroin and prescription opioids. Up until 2020, its increased presence led to the rising number. The increase between that seven year time period was nearly tenfold.
Between 2019 and 2020, nearly 100000 people have died from a drug overdose with fentanyl topping the list.
Fentanyl purchased on the street is more harmful
There is a tale of ‘two fentanyls’. The one prescribed by doctors is often used for medicinal purposes and will be harmful if overdosed. The other is bought and sold on the streets and will be more potent and even more dangerous.
This brings into question whether or not someone is really buying fentanyl. The truth is any drug that is sold on the streets will be unsafe most of the time. This is the case with opioid drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, and prescription pills.
Your first ‘hit’ may be your last
It’s true. Given the potency of fentanyl, one hit can be what it takes to lead to a fatal overdose. This is an unfortunate truth and it has proven to be the case with most drugs. That’s why it is better to stay away from it rather than experiment.
One costly mistake is something none of us can afford. Especially when it’s our own lives that are on the line. Some may be lucky and survive.
But someone’s luck may run out as soon as the next hit. If that isn’t a loud enough wake up call, we’re not sure what is.
Fentanyl poisoning must be treated immediately
Fentanyl is poisonous if there is a large enough dosage. In the event of poisoning, emergency medical care will be needed. You’ll want to dial 911 immediately and refrain from using any fentanyl including medications or patches (if being used for treatment).
If a person is unconscious and not breathing, you must perform CPR immediately. You should also watch for signs such as seizures and chest pains.
Addiction treatment is about the same for fentanyl
Fentanyl addiction can be treated. It is treated in the same manner with other opioid addictions. To that end, it’s important to make sure that a person with this kind of addiction is treated in an inpatient setting.
The reason for this is that the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. It can get to the point where untreated withdrawal symptoms can be fatal. Often, medication assisted treatment is the best solution for treating fentanyl addiction.
Illegal fentanyl is sold in several forms
Specifically, fentanyl that is illegally sold will come in a powder that will be placed on a piece of paper. These may resemble small candy pieces. However, they can also be sold in nasal solutions or eye droppers.
They can also be created into pill form to look like regular medication. Either way, these are illegal forms of the drug that are often bought and sold.
Fentanyl may unknowingly be mixed with other drugs
As mentioned earlier, drugs bought on the streets are often dangerous. Something as harmless as marijuana can be laced with fentanyl. There might be enough where someone may be ingesting a large enough dose that can be fatal.
Dealers and distributors will know this and will fail to disclose this information to their buyers. This is how the deadly consequences unfold for so many.
Naloxone can be given to someone who has overdosed
Naloxone is a drug that can reverse a heroin overdose. Due to the fentanyl’s potency, multiple doses may be required before the effects kick in. It’s proven to save lives and people have volunteered to carry it on hand in the event if they come across someone that may have overdosed on fentanyl.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
