Fentanyl – Introduction, Dangers, Etc…

Fentanyl

Many people have heard of fentanyl or have known someone who has overdosed on this substance but may not know precisely what it is. Fentanyl is a dangerous substance, and it causes many overdoses each year. More than half of drug overdoses involve fentanyl. 

Fentanyl has made its way across the country. It affects people in big cities and rural towns. It comes in many forms and is taken in a variety of ways. Understanding this drug and knowing the risks is more important now than ever. 

What is Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug. It is approved by the FDA to relieve pain and is used as an anesthetic. It is often used in medical settings to treat extreme pain or manage pain after surgery. It is around 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as a pain reliever. 

Fentanyl is taken in many ways. It can be taken orally by tablet, used as a patch, snorted, sniffed, or smoked. Fentanyl is sold alone and in combination with other substances like heroin. According to the DEA, street titles include China Town, Dance Fever, Jackpot, King Ivory, and Murder 8.

Illicit fentanyl is commonly distributed throughout the United States and sold illegally. In many cases, people aren’t seeking it out specifically, but it is mixed with other drugs to increase potency. Many of the pills that can be purchased illegally contain a lethal dose of fentanyl and not the drug sought out. 

How Does Fentanyl Affect the Body?

Like with any other drug, the side effects that come along with fentanyl will differ from person to person. Some may experience none, while others experience severe side effects. Typically, a higher dose leads to more side effects. 

Fentanyl can cause feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. Less desirable effects include confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, constipation, and respiratory depression. Some people are allergic to fentanyl and may have a severe reaction.

Is Fentanyl dangerous? 

Fentanyl is a dangerous drug if not used legally as prescribed by a doctor. Fentanyl is a powerful drug which leaves a significant risk of overdose. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. That compares to 10 to 15 grains of salt. This substance is often illegally manufactured and found in heroin, meth, and cocaine, among other drugs. Many people don’t know they take it before it’s too late. 

Can You Overdose On Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl overdose is common. When people overdose on fentanyl, their breathing may slow or stop. This can cause the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain to decrease, which can cause hypoxia and lead to a coma, permanent brain damage, or death.

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the primary cause of overdose deaths in the United States. Considering that when used in a legal way for pain relief, it’s still 100 times more potent than morphine, using this substance in an uncontrolled way is extremely dangerous. 

How to Avoid Fentanyl Overdose? 

The best way to avoid an overdose is to not partake in drugs illegally. Only take what a doctor prescribes, and even then, it’s okay to proceed with caution. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak to a medical professional or pharmacist about getting something like naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids, and it does not require a prescription. 

If someone overdoses, call 911 right away. Try to keep the person awake and give naloxone. Even after using naloxone, it is vital to get them the care they need. It is essential to continue waiting for help to arrive. Overdose is a scary thing, and carrying naloxone can be the determining factor in whether someone survives. 

It can also be helpful to carry fentanyl test strips when going out or partying. These test strips can test unregulated drugs for contamination of fentanyl. They can’t determine the amount in the substance or provide details, but they’re helpful.

Educate your loved ones and the young adults in your life on the risks of fentanyl. Many people don’t know the dangers attached to this drug. If you or a loved one needs help navigating opioid use and are looking for treatment centered around the LGBTQ+ experience, look no further. Q Space Detox is here to help. Call us today at 305-745-7768.