Dangers of Fentanyl: Are they Real?

Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled synthetic opioid that can be addictive and dangerous whether used legally or illicitly.  As a prescription painkiller, Fentanyl helps people manage pain following surgery or due to a chronic illness such as cancer.  But, as a recreational drug, Fentanyl is a deadly substance that has killed many thousands of people.  If you are wondering if the dangers of Fentanyl are real the answer is yes.  

You only need to read a few news headlines for proof of how deadly this substance can be.  Or, read the manufacturer’s directions booklet.  The “important warning” clearly states that ‘Fentanyl may be habit-forming and should only be used to treat chronic pain.’  The warning also states that Fentanyl can cause severe harm or death if used by someone who has not been prescribed the medication.  Furthermore, it warns that Fentanyl can cause serious breathing problems or death in those who are not tolerant to narcotic medications.  

Shocking Fentanyl Statistics 

Fatal overdoses involving Fentanyl increased 38.4 percent in 2020.  Many deaths occurred because the individuals were unaware that the cocaine, meth, or heroin they bought was laced with Fentanyl.  Furthermore, DEA analysts found counterfeit pills that contain .02 to 5.1 milligrams of Fentanyl which is twice the lethal dose.  

Drug traffickers typically distribute Fentanyl in kilograms.  The scary thing about this is that one kilogram can potentially kill 500,000 people.  

More Proof of the Dangers of Fentanyl

If the above statistics haven’t convinced you of Fentanyl’s potential dangers, read some of the following news stories.  Prepare to be shocked and saddened by some of these reports.  These are only a few instances of the dangers of Fentanyl.  Many more stories like these happen daily across the US.  

• “The Flash” actor Logan Williams died from Fentanyl, coroner’s report reveals.  The coroner’s report says the 16-year-old died from unintentional illicit drug toxicity (fentanyl).  The manner of his death has been listed as accidental.
• Fentanyl-laced cocaine killed LA comedian:  Comedian Fuquan Johnson died in Los Angeles after overdosing on fentanyl-laced cocaine. Two other people also died from the same substance.  Kate Quigley, another comedian, was hospitalized.
• Drug house had enough fentanyl to kill 481,000 people:  Florida deputies closed down a drug house after seizing 916 grams of Fentanyl.  They also found 41.2 grams of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia.
• Shipment of Fentanyl had enough to kill 1.425 million people:  UCB officials in Memphis, TN seized the shipment that was headed to a Houston, TX residence.  The shipment had originated in Mexico shipped in boxes labeled “woodcrafts art.”
• CBP Officers Seize $182,000 in Fentanyl during routine traffic stop:  The seizure took place at the Brownsville, TX Port of Entry when a man applied for entry into the US. Officers found 13.44 pounds of Fentanyl hidden in the car. 

These stories are only a few out of thousands.  Clearly, Fentanyl is big business for some people, and they’re making tons of money.  But, while they’re counting their fortune, hundreds of people are dying from those dangerous substances.

Why is Fentanyl So Deadly?

Fentanyl is a potent painkiller that is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is also 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin.  Another reason Fentanyl is so deadly is that people who buy illicit cocaine, heroin, or meth don’t know it is laced with Fentanyl.  

The effects of Fentanyl are very intense, but they don’t last long.  With each use, the person increases their tolerance, needing larger doses to get the desired euphoric effects.  The increased use can cause fatal overdoses.  In fact, only two milligrams of the drug can be lethal.

Even small doses of Fentanyl can cause a person to stop breathing.  Overdose effects can include:

• Cold, clammy skin
• Dilated pupils
• Cyanosis (blue colored skin and nails)
• Stupor
• Coma
• Respiratory failure
• Death

Synthetic opioids, including Fentanyl, are the primary cause of increased overdose deaths in the US.  This fact alone confirms the dangers of Fentanyl.

Can a Person Overcome Fentanyl Addiction?

As with other addictions, there is no quick fix for Fentanyl addiction.  The best approach for overcoming Fentanyl is with a long-term, inpatient program.  This is especially true for those who struggle with Fentanyl or other opioid addictions.  Addiction specialists agree that the longer a person remains in treatment, the chance of lasting recovery increases.

At Cycles of Change Recovery in Palmdale, CA, we offer a comprehensive inpatient program that begins with medically supervised detox.   The next phase of our treatment program involves helping patients understand what led to their addiction and develop new habits and behaviors to resist going down that path again.

With the right combination of counseling, education, skills training, and aftercare, our patients can reenter society with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.  If you’re ready to leave addiction behind, contact us now to learn more about our program.  The dangers of Fentanyl are real, so don’t wait too long to seek treatment.  

Sources:  

• dea.gov/ – Facts About Fentanyl
• medlineplus.gov/  – Fentanyl