Over the past years, there has been a major rise on a specific drug that is taking people by the hand to abuse and overdose cases; however, there has been an absence of coverage on this particular drug. This fast-spreading drug is known as Fentanyl. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016 roughly 64,000 people died of drug overdoses in America from synthetic opioids, which included Fentanyl. Learn more and the dangers that come with it in this article.
A Word from a Professional
An interview about Fentanyl was done with Cory Brosch, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Program Director at Clear Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, CA. He specializes in addiction treatment including substance abuse and gaming technology. Brosch mentioned:
“Fentanyl is the most dangerous drug on the market. Most people have no idea the danger they put themselves in and to those around them by using fentanyl for recreational use.”
Fentanyl is one of the most leading causes for death caused by overdose in the United States. While it is used for medical purposes, people who use it for recreational use put their health at risk for lethal outcomes. He went on to further express the dangers:
“People who use Fentanyl need to know, they are flirting with death more so than any other drug. It’s a killer and there is no way around it.”
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an FDA approved synthetic opioid used as a painkiller and anesthetic, which is typically prescribed for cancer patients, certain surgeries, nerve damage and trauma for its anesthetic effects. Just as other opioids such as heroin, fentanyl attaches to the body’s opioid receptors in brain at a faster rate than most traditional anesthetics. The prescribed drug can rise the levels of dopamine in the brain and result into rewarding feelings, relaxation, and euphoria.
Fentanyl is obtained legally by a prescription from a medical professional. The drug takes the form of patches or injected through an IV. As the drug being used and abused outside of the medical world, it can take the shape of pills or a powder substance. Due to its higher potency, drug traffickers lace other drugs such as the following:
- Cocaine.
- Methamphetamines.
- Ecstasy.
- LSD.
- Ketamine.
- Common opiates and opioids.
A small amount has a stronger high and deadly effect than the drugs listed above, which makes it popular to cut with other opioids such as heroin.
Where Is Fentanyl Coming From?
It is becoming an easily accessible drug across the United States. The popular drug is making its way through some of the following ways:
- The dark web.
- Major drug trafficking countries.
- False Prescriptions.
Just as other synthetic opioids, Fentanyl is typically made in a laboratory making it highly concentrated. It is made through a long sequence of compound chemical reactions that involve contact with classified chemicals. The chemicals composed in Fentanyl aim to make it stimulate the body in the same way opium does.
What Are the Effects?
The difference between a medical and deadly dose of Fentanyl is only a few measurements. When people use Fentanyl for recreational purposes, they often do not know the extreme jeopardy they put their bodies in with the first use. As mentioned previously in this article, Fentanyl is extremely potent. Because of its high potency, many users and drug dealers use it to cut other substances to make their products stronger. Some users are not aware that some street drugs they purchase such as heroin are actually cut with Fentanyl, making their use even deadlier.
When people use Fentanyl, there is a great chance of developing a dependency, tolerance, abuse, and developing addiction. Some instant side effects from the first use of Fentanyl include the following:
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Goosebumps.
- A runny nose.
- Hot and cold flashes.
- Chills.
- Anxiety.
- Agitation.
- Insomnia.
- Severe generalized pain.
Users slowly can grow a tolerance leading to higher doses. They need bigger measurements of Fentanyl to achieve the desired high effects. With one single dose and incorrectly taken, an accidental death can occur. Overdose cases are very common for people who use the drug. Some sign and symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose include some of the following:
- Slow or shallow breathing.
- Irregular and slow heartbeat.
- Severe sleepiness.
- Cold, clammy skin.
- Trouble walking or talking.
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or confused.
- Unresponsiveness.
Can Be a Deadly Outcome
Fentanyl is a greatly potent substance that can give pain relief to individuals from severe acute or chronic conditions. However, when people use it for recreational purposes, they are raising their risk for harmful and lethal outcomes. Several people are not aware of the dangers that are associated with Fentanyl. Even more, people need to learn more about the deadly outcomes that come with improper use. If you or someone you know is using this drug, it is encouraged to contact a medical professional and recovery center for help and guidance to a healthy life without the deadly substance.
Last Updated on February 15, 2024
