In the last several years, it would have been almost impossible to avoid hearing about the opioid crisis. Even though doctors often prescribe opioid drugs to people suffering severe, intractable pain, these drugs also find their way to the illicit market, where people misuse them. Fentanyl is one of these opioid drugs. What makes fentanyl so dangerous? How can you protect yourself from being harmed by fentanyl? If you or someone you care about is battling fentanyl addiction, will fentanyl addiction treatment work? These are some of the questions that people ask, and learning the answers can help empower the public to protect themselves and their families.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was initially developed as an anesthetic to treat people with severe, unmanageable pain. Fentanyl is many times stronger than either heroin or morphine, making it helpful when prescribed and properly administered by a doctor. However, it is also very dangerous when taken recreationally. Fentanyl is manufactured both legally and in illicit labs. Illicit fentanyl is found in both powdered and liquid forms. Side effects of fentanyl are similar to other opioids and include:
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Confusion
What Are the Dangers of Fentanyl?
One of the main reasons that fentanyl is so dangerous is that it is often mixed with other drugs. The effects of fentanyl use can be dangerous even if the person knows what they are taking. However, it is even riskier if they don’t realize that they are taking the drug. Because illicitly produced fentanyl is relatively easy to acquire, it is often used to adulterate drugs that would otherwise be expensive to produce. This makes the danger of unknowingly encountering fentanyl especially high for people who use recreational drugs. As mentioned previously, fentanyl is a very strong opioid. Even people who are daily opioid users can easily overdose on fentanyl. In fact, over 100 people every day die of a fentanyl overdose.
How Can You Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Fentanyl?
The best way to evade the dangers of fentanyl is not to use recreational drugs and only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed to you. Fentanyl could be mixed with almost any street drug or pill, and you would not be able to taste, smell, or notice it by color. If drugs are a part of your life and you need help to stop using them, the wisest course of action would be to seek help from an addiction treatment center.
Can Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Help?
Deciding to seek treatment for fentanyl addiction or any other kind of addiction can be challenging. However, even though it may seem impossible at the moment, with the right help and support, recovery is possible. Millions of Americans have chosen to participate in addiction treatment programs and achieved a lasting recovery. Especially for a dangerous drug like fentanyl, it might take some help in order to stop using and navigate the withdrawal process, but clinicians at fentanyl treatment centers can help.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center Offers Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
At our treatment center in Spokane, Washington, each patient receives the care that they need. We tailor treatment to the needs of the patient, so every person receives care we have specially designed for them. No matter where you are in your recovery process, we want to help you take that next step to regain your health and happiness. It is never too soon or too late to seek help, so reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 844.962.2775 and learn what we can do to help you and your family.
