Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

This article was written by Recovery Centers in America.

 

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid pain reliever, has made waves in recent years for its catastrophic impact on public health. More powerful than heroin and morphine, this dangerous substance isn’t just another drug on the streets. It has become a global crisis, claiming thousands of lives each year and showing no signs of slowing down.

Seeking professional fentanyl addiction treatment is the most effective option for individuals attempting to quit. Call 1-800-RECOVERY to learn how Recovery Centers of America can help you overcome fentanyl addiction and reclaim your life.

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Fentanyl’s potency lies not just in its chemical structure but also in its ability to bind rapidly to the body’s opioid receptors, leading to a surge in dopamine levels, which in turn can hijack a user’s brain. This synthetic opioid is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl is finding its way into not just illicit opioids but also party drugs and counterfeit pills, leading to an increased risk of accidental overdose.

Unlike its weaker counterparts, fentanyl’s potency means that the margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal one is very, very small. This is alarming, considering how often users are unaware that they are consuming it in the first place. Even the smallest amount, the size of a few grains of salt, can lead to a rapid overdose.

Recovery from fentanyl addiction demands a multi-faceted approach, including medical intervention, therapy, and support networks.

Dangers of Fentanyl: Signs of Overdose

Spotting an overdose is the first step in ensuring intervention that could save a life. It’s essential for everyone, not just medical professionals, to be able to recognize the signs.

Fentanyl overdose signs to learn and recognize include:

• Difficulty breathing – Shallow, labored, or stopped breathing is a dire warning sign.
• Extreme fatigue – An unusual level of drowsiness or trouble staying awake can indicate an overdose.
• Discolored skin – Look for bluish lips or fingernails, signaling insufficient oxygen.
• Confusion or dizziness – Overdose can cause altered mental states, including confusion and difficulty walking.
• Choking sounds – Gurgling noises or a “death rattle” may indicate an immediate health emergency.
• Pinpoint pupils – Tiny pupils are a common sign of opioid overdose.
• Loss of consciousness – Inability to respond or wake up should prompt immediate action.

If you notice any of these symptoms in someone, it’s essential to act quickly and seek medical help immediately. Your awareness and response can genuinely make a difference.

Acting quickly and calmly is critical. Immediately call 911 to get medical help on the way. While waiting for emergency services, try to keep the person awake and breathing if possible, and give reassurance that help is on the way. If naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, is available and you know how to administer it, do so without delay; it could save a life.