For over ten years the country has been fighting the overwhelming opioid crisis.  In recent years, overdose deaths because of fentanyl have continued to rise at an alarming rate.  This has affected the entire country, tearing families apart and bringing communities to the brink of destruction.  Drug addicts chasing a quick high enjoy the fast return that fentanyl offers, with little regard for the consequences.  Combining this opioid with other drugs simultaneously is one of the leading factors in fentanyl overdoses deaths.  Even first-time users are dying from fentanyl overdoses, making this one of the most dangerous drugs available today. 

Opioids were originally manufactured to be used medically after an injury or surgery as powerful pain relief.  Pharmaceutical fentanyl can still be used to treat severe pain.  Illegally manufactured fentanyl is being sold on the street and lined with other drugs to produce the pleasurable effect that this opioid can have on your brain and body.  The dosage of this illegal fentanyl is unregulated, making this extremely dangerous for the user.

Most Illicit Drugs Now Lined with Fentanyl

A big contributor to the rise in fentanyl overdoses and deaths is the fact that most illicit drugs on the streets today contain some amount of fentanyl.  The trend of combining stimulants and opioids is likely to blame for this.  Addicts are chasing the fast high that fentanyl offers combined with other stimulant drugs.  The latest statistics from the CDC indicate that more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.  Some of these overdoses are even first-time drug users, not realizing that their drug of choice is lined with fentanyl.  This is what attributes the high death rate for fentanyl users.

Potency of Fentanyl Now 50 Times Greater Than Heroin

Fentanyl’s reputation for being deadly, even in small amounts, is well-earned.  Drug users that primarily use stimulants can easily be killed by exposure to fentanyl.  Even drug users who primarily turn to opioids are not immune to fentanyl overdoses and death.  As little as two milligrams of fentanyl, the equivalent of ten to fifteen grains of salt, can be a fatal dosage.

Naloxone, more commonly referred to as Narcan, immediately administered after a drug overdose can save a life.  If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug addiction, knowing the signs of a drug overdose, and having access to rapidly administer Narcan can save a life.  While this can save you, it is important to seek long-term treatment for your drug addiction.  This is the best way to ensure that you will not be exposed to fentanyl and the dangers that come with this powerful drug.

With so many street drugs today lined with unknown amounts of fentanyl, it is more dangerous than ever for drug addicts.  Whether an opioid addiction or some other drug of choice, addicts need to seek long-term treatment to ensure that they are not the next victim of the fentanyl crisis.  The experienced addiction specialists at Campbell Recovery Services can help addicts that are struggling.