In recent years, fentanyl’s prevalence, potency, and high overdose risk have made this opioid a major topic of concern when discussing substance abuse.
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetically made opioid that was originally developed as a stronger alternative to morphine for treating pain. The drug is authorized for prescription use in medical applications in controlled doses and under a doctor’s supervision.
However, fentanyl has also emerged as a common and near-ubiquitous recreational drug. It is often unknowingly consumed due to its ability to be cut into other substances. Because a small amount of fentanyl can prove lethal, it amplifies the potential dangers of abuse.
Today, we are going to discuss some important information about fentanyl as well as rehab options for those seeking treatment and recovery. If you are concerned that you may have consumed fentanyl or that a loved one has done so, call the SAMHSA National Helpline immediately at 1-800-662-4357 for further resources or call 911 if you suspect an overdose.
How Fentanyl is Consumed:
According to information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl is often consumed in the following mediums:
- Shot via hypodermic needle
- Blotter paper
- Liquid mediums (eye dropper, nasal spray, etc.)
- Powder (loose or pressed into pill form)
- Added to other powder-based substances like heroin and cocaine
Signs of Fentanyl Use
If you are concerned about exposure to fentanyl for yourself or another person, look for these signs:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tightness in the chest area
- Abnormal changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts
- Uncoordinated movements or difficulty maintaining balance
- Experiencing hallucinations
Symptoms of opioid overdose that you should also watch for include:
- The person has a pale/clammy face
- Their body goes into a limp state
- Their lips or fingernails have turned a purplish or bluish color
- They are vomiting or making gurgling sounds
- They are unconscious or unable to communicate
- Slowed or stopped heartbeat or breathing
Other Names for Fentanyl
Prescription trade names for Fentanyl include:
- Actiq
- Duragesic
- FentoraTM
- Sublimaze
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, more colloquial street names for fentanyl include:
- Apace
- China Girl
- China Town
- China White
- Dance Fever
- Good Fellas
- Great Bear
- He-Man
- Poison
- Tango & Cash
Dangers of Fentanyl
Highly Potent and Addictive
Fentanyl’s extreme potency makes it a dangerous and addictive substance. It provides a similar high sensation to other opioids but with more intensity than alternatives like heroin.
Number-One Cause of Opioid Overdose Deaths in the U.S.
From May 2019 to May 2020, over 42,000 opioid overdose deaths were attributed to fentanyl use. It ranks higher than any other substance for recreational drug toxicity. Just 0.0001 grams of fentanyl can place a person at risk of death.
Can Be Mixed in With Other Substances
Due to fentanyl’s inexpensive manufacturing costs and ability to be consumed in multiple forms, it is often mixed in with other substances. In many cases, this is done without the user knowing.
Why is fentanyl becoming a common additive to many other substances? By cutting a more expensive powdered drug like cocaine or heroin with fentanyl, dealers and suppliers can increase their margins and lose less of their product with each transaction.
For example, a person purchasing heroin may believe they are only buying heroin. However, the dealer or original supplier they obtained it from may have mixed fentanyl in with the heroin.
The person who believes they have purchased just heroin may consume it at a dose they are accustomed to without knowing fentanyl has been added. This could place them at extreme risk of consuming a dangerous amount of fentanyl, increasing the chances of an overdose.
Fentanyl test strips, also known as FTS, can be purchased to determine if another substance has been contaminated by fentanyl. Using these testing solutions can potentially save lives by equipping an individual with the means to avoid exposure to a dangerous drug.
Rehab for Fentanyl Use
Substance abuse treatment for fentanyl is readily available and would follow a similar treatment plan to other opioid addictions. With medical and therapeutic assistance, safely breaking the cycle of opioid addiction and living a successful life in recovery is possible.
At a substance abuse treatment center, an individual struggling with addiction can safely detox and manage their withdrawal symptoms under professional care and supervision. Depending on the individual, this may include additional medication and mental health therapy as part of the treatment plan.
Get Fentanyl Rehab Treatment in Hollywood, Florida Today
At Compassionate Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive opioid abuse treatment, including fentanyl rehab services, to communities in the Hollywood, Florida area. If you are ready to take the next step toward your new life in recovery today, call us at (844) 999-0874 for more information or contact us online at any time.
