Fentanyl is an extremely deadly and addictive opioid that is about 100 times more potent than morphine, and a person develops an addiction to the substance much faster than other opioids. Heroin and fentanyl look identical and drug dealers often lace heroin with fentanyl to increase the potency so people who use it come back to buy more. The tiniest amount of fentanyl can cause overdose or death and sometimes, the person buying the substance inadvertently takes a deadly dose of the combined drugs.
Medical professionals use fentanyl in a safe, controlled environment for pain management. Many people who are addicted to opioids also abuse fentanyl. Healthcare professionals can prescribe fentanyl for pain management and the directions for use must be followed directly to prevent overdose or death. Fentanyl skin patches are prescribed at a low dosage and used for chronic pain that is not controlled by other painkillers. The patch should be disposed of by flushing down the toilet to avoid contact with other people.
Some signs and symptoms of fentanyl overdose include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Slow breathing and heartbeat
- Severe drowsiness
- Inability to talk
- Feeling faint or dizzy
First responders put their lives at risk every day to serve, protect and provide medical assistance to the community. There is a significant threat to first responders, law enforcement, and police dogs that may be exposed to fentanyl and other fentanyl‐related substances through emergency or life‐saving circumstances. Fentanyl can be ingested orally, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin or eyes, and any substance suspected to contain fentanyl should be treated with extreme caution as exposure to a small amount can lead to extreme health‐related complications, respiratory depression, or death.
If a person overdoses on fentanyl, he or she should be treated immediately with naloxone, which is a drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to revive a person due to fentanyl’s high potency. People who become dependent on or addicted to fentanyl need to seek treatment to prevent overdose or death.
If you or your loved one is battling a fentanyl addiction, you are not alone. Recovery from addiction is possible with the right treatment. Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in treatment for fentanyl addiction, which encompasses healing for the mind, body, and soul. The compassionate staff at Cypress Lakes Lodge is committed to the overall health of every client. Do not wait. Talk to an addiction specialist today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for substance addiction, addictive behavior, dual diagnosis, and mental health conditions in a serene, remote, lush-green environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy sober relationships that are sustainable. Call us to get started: 877-938-1577