Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is often prescribed to treat severe chronic pain. However, the illegal drug fentanyl is far more potent than its pharmaceutical counterpart. In fact, it is tens of times more potent than morphine. Because of its high potency and the risk of overdose, fentanyl is used primarily under the supervision of a physician.
However, fentanyl is increasingly being mixed with other drugs in the illicit drug market. This makes overdose much more likely. In fact, fentanyl is so potent that it is often mixed into other drugs to increase their potency. This is leading to an increasing number of overdose cases. Today, we’ll explore the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an opiate drug usually prescribed to manage severe chronic pain. It is an opioid drug chemically related to morphine.
Fentanyl is often used as an analgesic during medical procedures like surgeries and in hospitals. However, unauthorized distribution of this drug for other uses, such as in a pharmaceutical version, is a growing concern.
What are the Dangers of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs?
Fentanyl-laced drugs are becoming a big problem, especially when it comes to illicit drug use. These drugs are dangerous because they contain synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can lead to an overdose. While synthetic opioids like fentanyl may not be as potent as some other opiates, they can still cause dangerous side effects and death.
The most common fentanyl-laced drugs are illicitly manufactured heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and prescription drugs like tramadol, oxycodone, and morphine. Some of these drugs are available online via websites or dark web marketplaces.
Why are Drugs Being Laced?
The primary reason that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are being mixed in with other drugs is for profit. Creating a laced drug and selling it for a higher price gives the seller a greater profit. Of course, it also puts other users at risk of an overdose.
The presence of fentanyl is also more likely to get the user addicted. Once hooked on a substance, the user is guaranteed to come back for more.
How to Avoid Laced Drugs
The best way to avoid drugs laced with fentanyl is by knowing the signs of a potential overdose and taking the necessary precautions. If you are experiencing severe pain, you may be prescribed fentanyl. However, you should never take more fentanyl than is prescribed for you. It is important to keep all controlled drugs and medications out of reach of children, as they too may accidentally consume them.
If you are using prescription drugs, it is important to be aware of the signs of a potential fentanyl-related overdose. Signs of an opioid overdose include extreme sleepiness, slow breathing, not able to wake up, purple or red lips, or if you are unconscious or “unresponsive”. If you notice these signs, call 911 immediately.
If you are using illicit fentanyl, there are additional precautions you should take. Keep in mind that fentanyl is a potent drug. Even tiny amounts can have a significant effect. If you do take illicit fentanyl, it is important to mitigate the risks of an overdose. Using a drug testing kit is a great way to do this. These tests are inexpensive and easy to use. They can detect the presence of fentanyl in a user’s system days after use.
Bottom line
Because of its high potency, fentanyl is a very risky drug to use. It can cause extreme side effects and even death, especially when mixed with other drugs. If you are experiencing chronic pain and are on a prescription for it, you should never take more than you are prescribed and you should always check with your doctor before switching drugs. If you are using illicit drugs, you should mitigate the risks of an overdose by using a testing kit and taking the necessary precautions.
Asheville Recovery Center Is Here For You
Drinking alcohol in moderation can be a fun part of many cultures. It can even have health benefits, particularly for your heart and liver. However, alcohol is not a drug. It’s a depressant, which means that too much alcohol can lead to a dangerous level of intoxication. People who have an alcohol use disorder often have trouble controlling their drinking. They may go on binges, which can seriously damage their health and even lead to death.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent alcohol addiction and help those who are already struggling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to get treatment. At Asheville Recovery Center treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation.
Services at the center include:
Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), clients live at home or in a sober living residence while completing an addiction treatment program. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call and speak with an addiction expert today.
