Fentanyl Awareness: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Safe

Fentanyl has been in the news a lot–and not for a good reason. What is fentanyl? Why is it so dangerous? Why is awareness important? And what treatment options are available? Let’s answer some of these questions.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful pain reliever–50-100 times stronger than morphine. When used correctly, it can help manage pain in cancer patients or after surgery. However, fentanyl has become a significant public health concern–if not a public health crisis– due to its potential for misuse and overdose.

Why Is Fentanyl Dangerous?

Fentanyl is incredibly strong. Even a tiny amount can be deadly if not used as recommended. And that’s where the national emergency comes in. Some people are taking more fentanyl than is recommended or are ingesting the drug without even realizing it. Since fentanyl can be cut into heroin or cocaine or sold as fake pills, it makes using any illegally obtained drug more dangerous to your health. You never know if fentanyl is in the mix.

Why is Fentanyl Awareness Important?

The more people are aware of the dangers of fentanyl, the more they can protect themselves. Many loved ones have been lost to fentanyl overdose. Their family and friends often share their stories as an example to warn others about the dangers of the drug.

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day takes place on August 21st of each year–a day dedicated to educating the public on the serious dangers of fentanyl poisoning from fake pills and other illegally produced drugs.

The Fentanyl Crisis

In recent years, fentanyl-related overdoses have skyrocketed in the US.

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45.
Many overdoses occur because people don’t know they’re taking fentanyl since it’s mixed into other drugs without the person’s knowledge.
The crisis is affecting all parts of the country, from big cities to small towns.

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

Knowing the signs of a fentanyl overdose could save a life. Call 911 immediately if you notice:

Slow, shallow breathing
Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
Tiny, pinpoint pupils
Cold, clammy skin

Time is crucial. If caught in time, first responders may be able to rapidly reverse the effects of fentanyl and prevent an overdose by administering the drug naloxone and implementing other life-saving measures.

Who’s at Risk?

Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of age, background or social status. But some groups are particularly vulnerable to counterfeit fentanyl, including:

People with a history of substance use disorders
Those experiencing chronic pain who may seek out stronger painkillers
Young people experimenting with drugs, who unknowingly take fentanyl-laced substances
People re-entering society after incarceration, who may have lowered tolerance

Reducing Fentanyl Risk and Staying Safe

If you or someone you know uses drugs, here are some strategies to reduce risk of fentanyl poisoning or overdose.

Carry Naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses
Use fentanyl test strips to check for its presence in other drugs
Know the Good Samaritan laws which vary by state and protect people who call for help during an overdose
Start low and go slow. Every time you use a new bag or buy from a new dealer, do a small tester shot. Only do more after waiting a few minutes and seeing how your body reacts.
Take time between doses because fentanyl acts fast and is different for everyone, depending on dose and tolerance.
Avoid mixing opioids with other substances, such as alcohol and benzos
Stagger your use if you’re in a group. Make sure someone is always alert and that at least one person has naloxone on them.
It’s safer to use together, but it’s not always possible to be around someone you trust. Call Never Use Alone at 877-696-1996 when you’re about to use and an operator will stay on the line with you.

Addiction and Treatment: There’s Hope

For anyone struggling with addiction, it’s important to know that help is available. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and therapy, including:

Buprenorphine or methadone, medications that manage cravings and withdrawal.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which addresses the causes of addiction and teaches coping strategies.
Support groups that provide a community of people who understand what you’re going through.

Take the First Step With Better Life Partners

Fentanyl is powerful, but so is knowledge. By understanding the risks and knowing the signs of overdose, we can help keep ourselves and our loved ones safer. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl use, treatments are available.

Take the first step towards recovery. Reach out to Better Life Partners at (866) 679-0831. We’re here to support you and help you move beyond addiction.

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Sources
NIH – What is fentanyl?
Get Smart About Drugs – DEA Administrator on Record Fentanyl Overdose Deaths
White House – Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade
Fentanyl Awareness – DEA Administrator on Faces of Fentanyl