Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, making it one of the most dangerous drugs on the streets today. Its high potency, combined with its prevalence in the drug supply, has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths.
Why Is Fentanyl So Deadly?
Because fentanyl comes from a lab, it is cheaper and more accessible than plant-based opioids like heroin. Its lower production costs and high potency make it attractive to drug dealers, who often mix it with other substances to increase profit margins.
Fentanyl binds aggressively to the opioid receptors in the brain, more so than many other opiates. It quickly triggers the release of large amounts of dopamine, leading to intense euphoria that increases the drug’s addictive potential.
Common Causes of Opioid Addiction
Often, opioid addiction begins with a legal prescription for painkillers. People who become dependent on these legitimate drugs may search for other sources when they can no longer get refills from their doctor, which increases the risk of overdose.
Once addiction sets in, it becomes a cycle of seeking drugs to avoid uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms like body aches, fever and chills.
How to Respond to a Fentanyl Overdose
Opioids are central nervous system depressants. They can cause rapid-onset, severe respiratory depression. Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose and acting quickly can save lives.
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Confusion and disorientation
- Stupor, or inability to talk
- Slow, halted breathing, or respiratory distress
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Gurgling sounds, which indicate a blocked airway
- Loss of consciousness
Immediately take the following steps if you suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl.
- Call 911: Informing the dispatchers that someone is overdosing will prompt a quicker response.
- Administer naloxone: Naloxone is a nasal spray that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. By design, it is easy for an average person to administer, even if you do not have medical training.
- Keep the person awake and breathing: Try to keep them upright and conscious if possible.
- Put them in the recovery position: If the victim is unconscious and unresponsive, rolling them onto their side is the best way to prevent choking.
- Stay with them: Continue to monitor the person until emergency help arrives. First responders may ask you questions about what happened.
California Opioid Addiction Treatment
Hope by the Sea is a family-owned facility that offers specialized tracks for recovery. Our trained clinicians will work closely with you to customize a plan for your unique needs. We accept insurance and provide treatment at a reasonable cost to make our services accessible to everyone who needs it.
Our team understands the complexities of opioid addiction and provides a safe and structured environment, with an approach that includes medically supervised detox, individual and group therapy and long-term relapse prevention strategies.
Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose and understanding how to respond are crucial in combating the ongoing opioid crisis. Contact Hope by the Sea to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can put you on the road to health and sobriety.
