Fentanyl is a highly dangerous substance, causing lethal overdoses quickly, even on a first dose. It’s an opioid, one that is used in limited circumstances in medical situations when a person is suffering from severe pain, such as after an injury or surgical procedure, and only when other pain medications do not work. Yet, this drug is also often added into street drugs and sold to unknowing buyers, putting every one of them at risk for an overdose or the development of addiction and dependence. Here’s what America’s Rehab Campuses wants you to know about the dangers of fentanyl.
What Makes Fentanyl So Worrisome?
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is as much as 50 times stronger than heroin. It is about 100 times stronger than morphine, another pain medication. Even a very small dose of it can cause an overdose.
Because of how powerful this drug is, it’s very common for a person to develop addiction and dependence on it, which makes it very difficult for them to stop using it. At the same time, every dose is different. A person taking it once may find themselves taking slightly more and suffering an overdose the next time.
Why Fentanyl Is Putting People at Risk
One of the concerns about fentanyl is how it is being distributed. Many people do not seek out this opioid. They may purchase heroin or other drugs on the street to use. What they don’t know is that manufacturers laced fentanyl in those other drugs.
Why would they do this?
For one, it’s inexpensive to do so. However, the most common reason is because it creates addiction. A person that doesn’t know fentanyl is in the drugs they are using is more likely to experience cravings for it, a bigger high, or simply a different experience than they are used to. As a result of this, many become dependent on fentanyl. To the drug seller, that means more business. To the user, it means near-death experiences often, even if they think they are using the same heroin they always have used.
What Drugs Do Dealers Put Fentanyl In?
To be clear, they can add it to any drug in powder form rather easily. It can be laced in anything, including marijuana. In some cases, manufacturers will mix fentanyl with heroin or other drugs in a powder form and then press them into pills or put into capsules. In other words, they could be in any of the drugs you or your loved one has been using. It’s often mixed with other opioids, including prescription medications and heroin. Still, don’t assume that it’s not in other drugs you’re using, including stimulants, benzos, and others.
What If You Have a Fentanyl Addiction?
If you suspect you have an addiction and dependence on fentanyl or that your loved one does, it’s essential to seek out help immediately. In 2020, there were 56,516 overdose deaths in which fentanyl was a part of the problem, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
Because it is such a concern, it’s critical to take steps right now to get the help you need if you or a loved one has an addiction or dependence. You may need to get support if you experience these symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Intense cravings to use drugs, especially with worsening desires
- Intense withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- History of overdose
- Trying to stop using the drug without being able to stop
At America’s Rehab Campuses, we offer a wide range of resources to help you with the recovery process. That includes providing you with exceptional support right away.
Many people with fentanyl addiction need a medical detox process as the first step. This process helps to ensure that they can stop using in a safe environment. You may also need to consider the need for residential treatment following detox. This helps ensure that you are getting the support you need to break this dependence properly.
Learn more about our America’s Rehab Campuses can help you overcome your addiction by reaching out to us now for help.
