What Is Fentanyl 

Fentanyl is a very powerful synthetic opioid primarily used in the treatment of pain. This drug has become a serious concern due to its intense potency and the severe impact it can have on users. Seen as one of the most desirable street drugs, fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to overdose and death, even in very small amounts. Its frequent mixing with other substances has made it difficult to detect and increased the risk of overdose. Fentanyl addiction can be very difficult to overcome due to its highly addictive nature. Being informed about what fentanyl is, why it is being used, and the consequences it carries is important for making safe and healthy choices. 

What To Know About Fentanyl 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is tasteless and odorless. This drug is 50 times more potent than heroin, making it very easy for an individual to overdose on it. It is sometimes combined with other drugs to increase its effects, posing great risk even to those who may not realize they are consuming an opioid, thereby increasing the danger of a fentanyl overdose.

Fentanyl is of two types viz; the pharmaceutical fentanyl that is produced in a lab and the illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The one produced in the lab usually comes with ingredient and dosage information, which can make an individual believe that it is safer and poses less risk of overdose than other kinds of fentanyl. On the other hand, illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often found in street drugs, is particularly dangerous because its potency and composition are unpredictable, increasing the risk of overdose and death. It is worthy of note that any amount of this drug can be deadly when a health professional does not administer it.

Some of the common side effects of fentanyl use include:

• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and impaired thinking
• Difficulty in breathing
• Pinpoint pupils

Knowing the side effects of this drug can make a difference in managing an emergency situation effectively.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Fentanyl Use?

Long-term use of fentanyl can lead to serious physical, psychological, and social effects. Some of the long-term effects of fentanyl use include:

1. Physical health conditions– These health conditions include cardiovascular disease, liver damage, and a weakened immune system. 
2. Mental health disorders– Another long-term effect of fentanyl use is mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
3. Dependency And Tolerance – As the individual keeps taking this drug, they get to a point where they require higher doses to achieve the same effect, resulting in an increased risk of overdose
4. Struggles With Social Life – one effect of the chronic use of fentanyl is that the person starts struggling with social life, which can be in the form of isolation from loved ones, job loss, or financial instability.
5. Cognitive impairments – Prolonged use of fentanyl can also affect the individual’s memory, their decision-making, and their ability to manage daily life activities.

What Are The Dangers Of Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl has become very common in recent times, affecting the lives of some people. Here are five serious risks associated with fentanyl addiction. 

• Fentanyl is Among the Top Causes of Overdose Deaths
  In recent years, fentanyl has emerged as a leading cause of overdose fatalities. Tracking the exact number of deaths caused by fentanyl is challenging, as overdose statistics are generally categorized by drug types rather than specific substances.

• Tiny Amounts Can Be Lethal
  Fentanyl's extreme potency means that even a minuscule amount can be deadly. This is particularly dangerous for those accustomed to weaker opioids like heroin. The fine line between a dose that produces a high and one that results in death makes it exceptionally perilous.

• Fentanyl is 50 Times More Potent than Heroin
  According to the CDC, fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This means a single dose of fentanyl can be equivalent to taking 100 doses of morphine all at once.

• Fentanyl is Often Mixed with Other Substances
  One important warning for anyone using illegal drugs is the high probability of inadvertently consuming fentanyl, even when they think they're using a different substance. Dealers often combine fentanyl with other drugs to enhance their potency, making its presence undetectable and highly dangerous.

• Measuring Fentanyl Dosage is Tricky
• Fentanyl has no distinct flavor or scent, making it impossible to determine its strength without using fentanyl test strips. This makes it hard to tell if fentanyl has been added to other drugs like cocaine or heroin, significantly increasing the risk of accidentally taking a lethal dose.

What Are The Signs Of A Fentanyl Overdose?

Whether or not you use fentanyl, being able to recognize the signs of its overdose can be life-saving. An overdose of fentanyl can happen even if someone isn't aware they've ingested it. Some of the common signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Slow or absent breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Lips and nails are blue
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Discoloration of the skin
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Inability to speak
• Pinpoint pupils 

Ensure not to ignore the signs of a fentanyl overdose. If a person shows signs or symptoms of a fentanyl overdose, they need emergency medical attention. Without immediate medical attention, it can be fatal.

Reach Out To Pride Detox For Help

If you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with Fentanyl addiction, Pride Detox is here to help. At Pride Detox, our team of experts is committed to providing individualized care and support through our detox program to help people achieve lasting recovery from fentanyl addiction. Call us today at 1-562-545-3289 to start the journey toward a substance-free life.