Increases in overdose deaths are causing more and more concern for the families and individuals suffering from addiction and substance abuse. One of the most notorious drugs causing these fatal interactions is fentanyl, an opioid painkiller that’s 50-100 times stronger than morphine. As for the cause of the spike in fentanyl use, a few sources could be the cause. These include isolation due to pandemic lockdown, an increase in availability of the drug, and lastly, the increased strength of fentanyl.
What Exactly Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids available, making it especially dangerous. Even a tiny amount, as little as two milligrams, can be lethal. Its strength is compounded by the fact that it is often mixed with other drugs, including heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills. Because the amount of fentanyl in these substances is unpredictable, even experienced users are at risk of overdose. This unpredictability is why fentanyl overdoses can happen quickly and without warning, and why it is so important to take precautions if you or a loved one is exposed to this drug.
Fentanyl abuse can be more dangerous compared to other drugs due to how little is needed when using. A lethal dose can be as small as 2mg, but it’s also common for fentanyl to be mixed in with other drugs. Even someone who regularly abuses fentanyl can overdose unexpectedly when unknown drugs are also ingested.
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can save a life. Overdose victims may appear deeply asleep or unresponsive, but their breathing may be dangerously slow or shallow. Pinpoint pupils are a classic symptom of opioid overdose, and other warning signs include pale or bluish skin, limp limbs, vomiting, faint heartbeat, and difficulty speaking. If you notice any combination of these symptoms, treat it as a medical emergency and call 911 immediately. Administering naloxone if available can reverse the effects temporarily, but it is critical to stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Typically, fentanyl is sold as a pill, powder, or patch. The pills are just pressed powder and tend to be pure white, although some illegal producers are opting for more colorful pills to attract more buyers and even younger crowds. When heated for injection or smoking, the powder turns to a liquid with a brown hue it. Patches will often look like a nicotine patch that provides sustained release of small amounts of fentanyl.
Depending on the area, fentanyl can also be found laced into other drugs to increase their potency and get users hooked. Even marijuana, considered by some to be a safe drug, has seen an increase in fentanyl lacing, which can lead to overdose for those with no tolerance for opioids. Fentanyl overdose tends to present itself through slowed breathing, pinpoint pupils, and a lack of responsiveness to external stimuli.
Naloxone, known by brand names such as Narcan, is a medication that can temporarily reverse a fentanyl overdose. It is easy to use and can be administered as a nasal spray. When someone is overdosing, naloxone can restore normal breathing within minutes, giving emergency responders critical time to arrive. However, because the effects of naloxone are temporary, multiple doses may be needed before professional help is available. Carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it can save lives, and anyone at risk of opioid exposure should be prepared to use it in an emergency.
Why Fentanyl Overdoses Are Increasing
Overdoses are rising because illicit fentanyl is being distributed more widely and is often included in other drugs. Dealers may mix fentanyl with heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills, sometimes without the user’s knowledge. These counterfeit pills are designed to look like legitimate medications, but they often contain doses that are far too strong, putting anyone who takes them at extreme risk. The combination of fentanyl’s potency and its presence in drugs people may not suspect makes it a leading cause of overdose deaths in communities across the country.
Pharmaceutical vs. Illicit Fentanyl
Fentanyl comes in both pharmaceutical and illicit forms. Pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is produced under strict medical and safety regulations and is prescribed for patients with severe pain or during surgery. Illicit fentanyl, however, is often manufactured in unregulated labs and pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed into other street drugs. These illegal products can vary widely in potency, making them far more dangerous. Unlike pharmaceutical fentanyl, illicit fentanyl provides no guarantees about dosage or safety, which is why it is a major contributor to overdose deaths.
How To Avoid Future Fentanyl Overdose
No one wants to go through the nightmare of overdosing or to see a loved one do so. It can take a physical, mental, emotional, and even financial toll on the individual using it and their family. The best step to take after safely addressing an overdose is to contact a nearby addiction rehab center to start the process of treatment.
Seeking professional help is the most effective way to address fentanyl addiction. Treatment programs can provide medically-monitored detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and medication-assisted treatment to reduce cravings and support long-term recovery. Residential or outpatient programs offer additional support through counseling, therapy, and structured care plans. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl, reaching out to a qualified treatment center can be the first step toward regaining control and achieving lasting sobriety.
America’s Rehab Campus is here 24/7 to help you or those close to you with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Since 2017, we’ve helped thousands of guests regain control of their lives from the hands of addiction. Our goal isn’t just for you to complete treatment, but to find long-term sobriety and a lifestyle that fits your personal goals. Don’t wait, reach out to the ARC team today to get started.
