The opioid crisis has happened in three waves over the decades, but the recent, third wave has mainly been driven by fentanyl. Let us begin by understanding some numbers first – in 2023, nearly 80,000 of the approximately 105,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved opioids, including synthetic or man-made ones like fentanyl. That is nearly 217 preventable deaths every single day of the year. Words may not be able to capture the weight of this tragedy, but these figures underscore the need to understand the fentanyl crisis and why it is becoming more dangerous than ever.
Why Fentanyl – Why Fentanyl Is More Dangerous Than Other Opioids?
Fentanyl is driving many, if not most, of the opioid overdose deaths in recent times. If you are wondering why there is a fentanyl overdose epidemic in the U.S. society – fentanyl is a synthetic drug; it is entirely manufactured in the lab. The downside of this is that it happens to be nearly 50-100 times more potent than many prescription opioids, and get this – even more powerful than heroin.
Even a meager 2 milligrams of fentanyl, which is like a few grains of salt, can be a potentially lethal dose. Nevertheless, those who use fentanyl begin with 1 or 2 milligrams per day and extend it to up to 50 milligrams per day as tolerance levels increase. This puts a person at a great risk for an overdose.
Even worse is that fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs – it can be used to spike your drinks or other drugs, and many consume it even without knowing, risking their lives. It is typically an unnecessary additive, but fentanyl in general gives rise to high or euphoria – which is why people keep going back to it again, again, and then again.
Why Fentanyl’s Danger Extends Beyond Numbers?
As fentanyl is very powerful, it can easily catch you off guard – especially when it is mixed with other substances and you consume it without knowing. In fact, those without the best intentions often mix fentanyl with other hard drugs like cocaine, meth, heroin, or even prescription medications like Xanax or ADHD medicines.
This means that you will be consuming drugs, thinking you know what they are or that they are “safe” for you, but instead, you are at a very high risk of overdosing, even without knowing it. As we told you, even 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. Therefore, it is always safety first.
If Fentanyl Is Indeed So Dangerous, Why Isn’t Everybody Overdosing?
As we have mentioned, even 2 milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose. So, it is natural to wonder why there are not more overdoses, especially if it is used to lace other substances? The answer to this is individual factors.
Let us say someone who has used opioids for months or even years – they will develop a higher tolerance than those who rarely use them. While this tolerance may reduce the risk of overdose with smaller quantities, taking a much larger dose, like double or triple, can still lead to a dangerous overdose.
But this does not mean a person’s tolerance to opioids acts like a shield against fentanyl. They may be more okay than someone who does not take opioids, but there is still a point where fentanyl can overwhelm and lead to overdose.
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What Are the Other Health Risks of Fentanyl?
We have learned a lot about the fentanyl overdose epidemic, but let us look at the other health risks of fentanyl – they cannot be overlooked either:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Visual disturbances
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Muscle stiffness
- Risk of misuse and dependence.
How to Reduce Risk – What Can Be Done?
Fentanyl can adversely impact the regions of the brain that control breathing, which can lead to an overdose. It is a very real risk, and we cannot just negate this by overlooking it. So, some critical strategies to employ are:
Fentanyl Test Strips – These test strips are used to detect fentanyl, which can protect you from consuming it without knowing it. While not foolproof, they are certainly a good harm-reduction tool.
Education – Educate yourself about the signs of an opioid or fentanyl overdose. They can look something like this:
- Cold or clammy skin
- Tiny pupils
- Blueish or purplish lips and fingernails
- Weak or limp limbs
- Vomiting
- Slowed/stopped breathing and heart rate
- Unresponsive.
Naloxone – If you suspect a fentanyl overdose, call emergency services like 9-1-1 in the U.S. immediately. Use naloxone (Narcan) – they are available as nasal sprays and are easy for everyone to use. They can reverse a fentanyl overdose, albeit one might need multiple doses of the same.
Broader Community Response – The fentanyl crisis cannot be solved at the micro level; it needs a macro level response. Government, public health, medical professionals, first responders, and community groups must come together to spread awareness, provide access to treatments, and strengthen overdose prevention efforts.
Can Fentanyl Use Be Treated?
Yes, fentanyl use can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, peer support, and aftercare.
Psychotherapy involves therapeutic modalities like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-Step models, along with FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and lofexidine for withdrawal.
However, as recovery is a journey, one needs ongoing care and structure to maintain your recovery. For this purpose, an aftercare plan involving sober living, supportive counseling, medical monitoring, and peer support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery will be designed as per individual needs and goals.
Take the First Step Toward Safety and Recovery
The fentanyl crisis is not just a far-away statistic – it is impacting real persons, families, and communities, as we speak – every single day. At Sober Living West, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where you or your loved one can break free from fentanyl use and rebuild your life. If you are at risk or are struggling with fentanyl use, do not delay any longer. Reach out to us at (310) 218-5158 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you.
References -
https://www.congress.gov/event/118th-congress/house-event/115371/text
https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/understanding-the-opioid-overdose-epidemic.html
https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/fentanyl
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/fentanyl-driving-overdoses
Frequently Asked Questions
The fentanyl overdose epidemic refers to the sharp rise in deaths, driven by fentanyl – a synthetic opioid, flooding the market.
Fentanyl is highly potent – 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and other opioids. Even a tiny amount can be lethal.
Not everyone who uses fentanyl overdoses on it because those with higher opioid tolerance can withstand small doses, but large amounts can still lead to an overdose.
Fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs like cocaine, heroin, and counterfeit pills – even without the user knowing.
Test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in other substances, but they are not foolproof. Meanwhile, naloxone is effective in reversing a fentanyl overdose, albeit one might need multiple doses of it.
Fentanyl use can cause confusion, drowsiness, vision problems, constipation, muscle stiffness, and dependence.
By using test strips, knowing overdose signs, carrying naloxone, and avoiding unknown drugs, you can reduce risks when fentanyl is involved.
Yes. With therapies, FDA-approved medications, peer support, and structured aftercare plans, fentanyl addiction can be treated.
Yes. Recovery is an ongoing journey that requires ongoing support, aftercare, and community resources to maintain sobriety. Over time, this comes naturally.
Communities can be protected from the fentanyl overdose epidemic with education, increasing access to naloxone, promoting test strip use, expanding substance use treatment, and facilitating coordinated prevention efforts.