The opioid crisis is still a huge problem throughout the US. Over two million Americans are dependent on opioids. One particular type of opioid that causes significant anxiety among the broader public is fentanyl.
But how dangerous is fentanyl? Is its reputation earned or is it overblown by the media?
While not all media coverage has stuck to the facts, fentanyl is extremely dangerous and has led to many cases of addiction and overdose. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, first synthesized in 1960. It is classified as a Schedule II prescription drug, a status reserved for drugs with both medical utility as well as a high potential for abuse and dependence. Fentanyl is widely used in medical settings as a potent painkiller.
In a clinical context, fentanyl is available in various forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, injectable solutions, and nasal sprays. These can be extremely valuable for chronic pain management. The transdermal patch, for instance, provides a continuous release of fentanyl over 72 hours.
But while fentanyl helps many people, its use is risky due to its exceptional potency. It is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and about 50 times more potent than heroin!
For this reason, fentanyl poses a high risk for overdose. The margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is incredibly narrow. A dose as small as two milligrams can be lethal depending on an individual’s tolerance and previous opioid use.
How Fentanyl Affects the Body
Like other opioids, fentanyl binds to the body’s opioid receptors, which are primarily found in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are part of the body’s pain control system which reduces the perception of pain. In addition to relieving pain, it triggers a cascade of effects that can impact various bodily functions.
Short-Term Effects of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl acts quickly, often within minutes, to provide pain relief. The immediate effects of fentanyl include:
- Pain Relief: even for severe pain.
- Euphoria: intense feelings of well-being or pleasure,.
- Sedation: drowsiness and lethargy which make it hard to stay awake.
- Respiratory Depression: leading to slowed or shallow breathing.
- Nausea and Vomiting: experienced by some users of fentanyl.
Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl Use
Chronic use of fentanyl can lead to a range of consequences on the person’s health, including:
- Tolerance: with users requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Dependence and Addiction: characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
- Respiratory Issues: which remain persistent and increase the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.
- Cardiovascular Problems: including irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure.
- Mental Health Disorders: such as depression and anxiety.
The Risk of Overdose
Fentanyl is extremely potent. There is also a narrow margin between a therapeutic and a lethal dose. This creates a major risk of overdose.
When dosages are controlled by responsible medical professionals, fentanyl can be used safely (although it can be over prescribed). When used illicitly, it becomes significantly more dangerous.
Many overdoses occur when individuals use fentanyl illicitly. They are less likely to know the exact potency of the substance they are consuming, having acquired it illegally.
Fentanyl on the black market is also frequently mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. The buyer doesn’t know what is in it and is at a much more increased risk of overdose.
Signs and Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose
Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can be life-saving. Key symptoms include:
- Severe Respiratory Depression: Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.
- Unresponsiveness: Inability to wake up or respond to stimuli.
Extremely small pupils. - Cold, Clammy Skin: Skin may become pale, cold, and clammy to the touch.
- Cyanosis: Blue or purple discoloration of the lips and fingernails due to lack of oxygen.
- Weak Pulse: A faint or absent pulse.
The Need to Act Immediately
The effects of fentanyl use have a very rapid onset and overdose symptoms can develop within minutes of consumption. This leaves very little time for intervention, making immediate action critical.
If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, providing a crucial window of time to seek medical help.
The Impact on Communities
Fentanyl abuse can be a huge problem for individuals, but it has had a massive impact on our society as a whole. This is why combatting it has been a significant point of political debate.
The Social Toll
Abuse of fentanyl has led to disruptions to communities and society. Families deal with the burden of caring for those addicted, the emotional strain of witnessing the destructive effects of the drug, and the loss of loved ones. Children of addicted parents may experience neglect, emotional trauma, and instability, leading to long-term psychological and developmental issues.
Communities suffer due to the increased burden of having to care for those who are affected. Since fentanyl abuse contributes to increased crime rates, security becomes another community issue. People who are addicted to fentanyl may resort to illegal activities to support their use, including theft, burglary, and drug trafficking.
Economic Costs
Fentanyl abuse has had a staggering effect on the economy. Hospitals have seen increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and the need for long-term treatment and rehabilitation services. These come at high costs, including the use of naloxone and intensive care, that are not always covered by insurance companies, leaving the hospital to pursue payment from the patient or their family.
Companies with employees addicted to fentanyl see productivity decrease and higher absenteeism. They may also be impacted by the healthcare costs of the employees.
Addicted employees themselves face difficulties maintaining consistent work performance, leading to job loss and financial instability. This perpetuates the cycle of addiction and poverty.
Burden on Healthcare Systems
Hospitals and emergency responders are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of overdose cases. The need to allocate funds to treat overdose victims diverts resources from other critical healthcare needs, affecting the overall quality of care.
Prevention and Treatment
As of yet, no one has found the perfect way to prevent fentanyl abuse, and treatment is a long and difficult process. However, with a combination of strategies and treatment approaches, there are options for those affected.
Strategies for Preventing Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose
Some of the possible strategies to prevent fentanyl misuse and overdose include:
- Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMPs): Many people who become addicted start using fentanyl legally. In order to prevent this, PMPs can be implemented to help track and regulate the prescription of fentanyl in the first place.
- Regulating Prescriptions: Regulations limiting the quantity and duration of fentanyl prescriptions can put pressure on healthcare providers to follow strict guidelines for prescribing opioids, ensuring they are used only when absolutely necessary.
- Safe Disposal of Medications: Some opioids enter the black market after being disposed by those to whom they were prescribed. This may be intentional on the part of the original taker or accidental. Educating people to avoid this can help lower the circulation of fentanyl.
Education and Awareness Campaigns
Education and awareness campaigns play a major part in prevention. These campaigns may be run throguh:
- Schools and Youth Programs: Knowing the dangers of fentanyl can help prevent early experimentation and misuse.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Mass media campaigns, including social media, can raise awareness and prevent overdose, as well as informing people who to get help.
- Healthcare Provider Training: Safer prescription of fentanyl can help mitigate the crisis. Providers should know how to recognize signs of addiction and when to make the decision to withhold a prescription.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
There are a number of effective treatment options for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) utilizes medications which help manage withdrawals and cravings, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. They are provided in concert with counseling and behavioral therapies such as CBT.
Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs are often crucial for recovery. These programs offer structured environments for individuals to receive intensive treatment and support. Inpatient programs provide 24-hour care, while outpatient programs offer flexibility for individuals to receive treatment while maintaining their daily responsibilities.
The Importance of Naloxone in Reversing Fentanyl Overdoses
Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, saving lives by providing a greater window for treatment. Making it more accessible, whether through first responders, healthcare providers, or even the public, can significantly reduce overdose deaths.
Many states are implementing policies to allow individuals to obtain naloxone without a prescription. Training and education is also vital so that people know how to recognize the signs of an overdose and administer naloxone effectively.
Conclusion
With its high potency leading to severe risk of misuse, fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids. It is important to know how fentanyl can impact your body, as well as how to spot signs of an overdose and act accordingly.
If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction, contact Seasons in Malibu to start your recovery today.
