Many patients arrive at our Raleigh rehab center as the last resort to get over Fentanyl addiction. But our doctors know that for every patient we receive in our detox program, there are dozens who lost the battle with this dangerous addiction.
We believe that it is important to speak about this drug and the deadly impact it can have on people who become addicted to it.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug. It was initially intended for use as a prescription medication for pain relief and as an anesthetic. This powerful drug is similar in effects and composition to morphine, but it is 50 to 100 times more potent.
Unfortunately, it is also cheap to manufacture. This is why it has crossed the line between prescription medication and street drug. It is odorless and tasteless, so many people are not even aware that they are taking it.
As for its potency, a quantity of 2 milligrams of pure Fentanyl (the size of 4-5 grains of sugar) is enough to kill an adult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day over 150 Americans die from Fentanyl overdose.
Short Term Effects of Fentanyl Addiction
It is important to understand why people become addicted to this dangerous drug. After taking it for the first few times, users experience sensations of extreme happiness and drowsiness. It is tempting to use it especially in the modern world, where stress from work can lead to depression and insomnia.
However, once a person starts using Fentanyl on a regular basis, they will also start experiencing the first negative side effects:
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Problems breathing
However, the addiction is by now too powerful, and the user will ignore these alarming symptoms, chasing the few euphoric moments after taking the drug.
Long Term Effects of Fentanyl
Most patients who seek help at our Raleigh rehab center have used the substance for a long time. Thus, they exhibit some of the most dangerous side effects of Fentanyl addiction.
First of all, there are the physical effects:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Increased risk of infections
- Neurological damage
- Respiratory problems
- Sexual dysfunction
The impact of addiction on mental health is also considerable. Many patients are suffering from:
- Decreased cognitive function
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty in controlling impulsive behaviors
The Most Frequent Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
The main danger of Fentanyl is that anyone can overdose, because it is extremely hard to dilute a safe dosage. It is important for friends and family members to be on the lookout for these symptoms of overdose:
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Lips and nails turn blue
- Gurgling sounds or snoring
- Cold and clammy hands
- Tiny pupils
- Severe sleeping or sedation
In this situation, acting on the spot is essential for saving the person’s life. You must call 9-1-1 immediately and ask for an ambulance, specifying that it may be a case of Fentanyl overdose. It is important to remember that most U.S. states passed laws protecting the overdosing person or the one who calls for help from legal problems.
How to Help the Patient before the Ambulance Arrives
The CDC published a few helpful tips for helping someone who is overdosing from Fentanly until the EMT crew arrives:
- Administer naloxone, if available – this is one of the few overdose reversing drugs, available as nasal spray and injection
- Attempt to keep the person awake and breathing
- Lay the person on one side to avoid choking on their own tongue or vomit
- Do not leave the person alone even for a moment until the ambulance arrives
Let Our Raleigh Rehab Center Help You Overcome Fentanyl Addiction!
Addiction to Fentanly happens quickly and can put anyone in danger of losing their life. Thus, the sooner you reach out for help, the greater the chances are to prevent permanent health issues and be able to enjoy your life.
Call our Raleigh rehab center and schedule your first appointment with one of our detox specialists at 984-223-5341!
