Over the past several years, Fentanyl has been a growing contributor to the rise in deaths caused from overdose cases in the United States. These deadly cases of Fentanyl are occurring from measurements as small as 3 milligrams, which is barely enough to cover the date on a penny. The lethal dose of Fentanyl is equivalent to a few grains of sand. Fentanyl’s deadly potential continues to send people to their downfall and destruction. Alongside with Fentanyl, the lack of knowledge behind the dangers of the substance is leading more people to potentially lethal outcomes.
Fentanyl Is So Dangerous, It’s a Risk at First Use
In 2017, according to research done by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 72,000 deaths occurred from drug overdoses. Nearly 30,000 of those overdose cases were due to Fentanyl. The substance is killing people at a rapid pace. As mentioned in a prior article, Fentanyl is being used as a filler in several other popular dangerous substances, such as the following:
- Cocaine.
- Methamphetamines.
- Heroin.
- Other common opiates.
Due to its dangerous factors, Fentanyl is rated as a dominant Schedule II narcotic for its powerful potential for abuse as well as its psychological and physical dependence. While substances that fall under Schedule II narcotics can all be dangerous, the difference from Fentanyl and these other substances is the higher possibility of death from smaller amounts.
Fentanyl as a Cut in Other Drugs
Why is Fentanyl being abused when it is killing people by the use? With knowing the potential dangers behind Fentanyl, why are dealers mixing other drugs with this lethal substance? With many questions forming from using the deadly substance, there appears to be an economical reasoning behind substances being laced with Fentanyl. There have been several instances in which people are not aware of Fentanyl being a cut filler in the substances they buy from drug dealers. With or without their knowledge, people are putting unmeasured amounts of Fentanyl in their bodies.
The majority of the time, laced substances are sold on the street and people are not aware of Fentanyl being a heavy filler. Drug users are then putting unmeasured amounts of Fentanyl in their bodies, which is dangerous at any levels. As a whole, dealers and those who use substances are not fully aware of what they are selling and putting into their bodies. The potency of Fentanyl should not be belittled or undervalued. Fentanyl is being used and illegally manufactured in other substances because of its high potency. The strong effects are used to substitute a fraction of the other substances. Since replacing and mixing Fentanyl in other street drugs is relatively cheaper, dealers are able to increase their profit and volume with smaller quantities of their “product.”
The Danger in Not Knowing
Although Fentanyl can be an effective treatment for patients going though severe chronic pain, when used recreationally, it is slow dancing with death. Since the deadly measurements and lethal effects are not always known, users are putting their health on the line. When produced illegally, there is no common proportion. Most Fentanyl measurements in other substances like cocaine and heroin are estimated by eye. The illegally handmade substance can also be combined with other drugs, which can have harsher effects on the body. A small amount of Fentanyl in another illicit drug instantly increases a deadly outcome. When not deadly, some of the health issues the substance imposes include some of the following:
- Slowed heart rate.
- High blood pressure.
- Drowsiness.
- Constipation.
- Nausea.
- Gastrointestinal distress.
- Disorientation.
Because of its startling factors, even simple exposure to Fentanyl through inhalation or absorption through the skin can present fatal threat. Contact with the substance can cause nausea, slow breathing, as well as other health issues. Cardiovascular and respiratory issues are some of the instant effects from coming in contact with Fentanyl. With or without being aware, when a user experiences symptoms associated with Fentanyl, he or she can take more of the substance to ward off the symptoms. When more Fentanyl is ingested in the body, the user puts him or herself at a higher risk for an overdose.
Fentanyl is So Dangerous, So Be Aware
Fentanyl is a frequent substance found in many overdose cases in the United States. Just as we care for the ingredients in our food, people need to be aware of what they are putting in their bodies when using substances. When anyone abuses Fentanyl, or a Fentanyl-laced drug, their lives are in immediate jeopardy. Across the country, drug abuse is a serious issue that several people suffer from. With proper medical and professional care, along with knowledge on the dangers of substance abuse, a healthy sober life is attainable and possible.
Last Updated on September 12, 2024
