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 to street drugs and sold to unknowing buyers, putting everyone 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.
Why Is Fentanyl so Dangerous?
Fentanyl is incredibly potent, making it one of the most dangerous opioids on the market today. While it’s used in hospitals to manage severe pain, its strength comes with a significant risk. Just a small dose of fentanyl—as little as a few milligrams—can be deadly. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, which means that the margin for error is razor-thin. When fentanyl is mixed into other street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and even marijuana, it can make the difference between life and death for users who have no idea they’re ingesting it. The addictive properties of fentanyl also make it a major contributor to the growing opioid crisis, with users often becoming physically dependent after just a short period of use.
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 that it creates addiction. A person who 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 have always 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 them 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
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction and Withdrawal
Fentanyl addiction can feel like a battle you can’t win—but the truth is, recovery is possible with the right support. The symptoms of fentanyl addiction can range from intense cravings to a complete inability to stop using the drug, even when it negatively impacts your life. Users often develop a tolerance to fentanyl, which means they need to take higher doses to feel the same effects, increasing the risk of overdose. Fentanyl withdrawal can be incredibly difficult, and attempting to stop without professional help can be dangerous. Symptoms like nausea, muscle pain, and insomnia are common, and in severe cases, they can lead to life-threatening complications. That’s why medically-supervised detox is so important—it helps you safely manage these symptoms and start the recovery process with professional guidance.
Understanding the Risk of Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl overdose is an ever-growing concern, not just for regular drug users, but for anyone who comes in contact with the drug, knowingly or unknowingly. One of the biggest risks comes from the fact that fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and even prescription pills. This makes it nearly impossible for users to know just how much fentanyl they’re ingesting, and the danger is real. A single accidental overdose can have devastating consequences, but it’s important to remember that naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects if used in time. Whether you’re a user, a family member, or a friend, understanding the risks of fentanyl and having access to naloxone can help save lives.
How to Treat Fentanyl Addiction
Treatment for fentanyl addiction isn’t just about stopping use—it’s about starting a journey towards a healthier, drug-free life. The first step is medically-monitored detox, where you’ll be supported and monitored around the clock to ensure your safety as you go through the withdrawal process. From there, many individuals benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which helps reduce cravings and improve the chances of long-term recovery. MAT, combined with therapy and ongoing support, has been proven to be highly effective in treating opioid addiction. Whether you choose residential treatment or an outpatient program, the goal is to equip you with the tools and skills you need to live without the constant need for fentanyl.
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.
