Fentanyl Poisoning
The deadliest facet of America’s opioid epidemic, fentanyl poisoning has claimed millions of lives—and counting.
Fentanyl Poisoning in Young Adults
Fentanyl is a human-made opioid that used to be rare outside hospital settings. Only a few years ago, fentanyl poisoning was almost unheard of, but now this drug is leading the next wave of the opioid crisis.
Like all opioids, fentanyl binds to specialized receptors throughout the brain. It attaches itself to the areas responsible for mood and emotions, in addition to those that control breathing. Therefore, while fentanyl can create a more intense high for users, it is also far riskier to use because of its potential to cause an accidental overdose. A dose as small as two milligrams is enough to be fatal for many people.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Overdose
Often, drug dealers use fentanyl to cut batches of other drugs to make them go further. This substance binds more completely to opioid receptors in the brain than most other opiates do, which is what makes it so powerful and potentially deadly. Drug distributors may use it to get people hooked quickly and keep them coming back for larger doses.
Whether sold as a powder or blended with substances like heroin or cocaine, illicit black-market fentanyl is driving the dramatic rise in fentanyl poisoning deaths in recent years. People who take a fentanyl-laced drug are much more likely to experience an accidental overdose, which is what makes fentanyl use far more dangerous than other opioids.
Fentanyl’s Rising Impact
People who are physically or emotionally dependent on this drug use it to reach a more powerful high, while drug dealers lace their products with it because it can keep buyers returning for increasingly larger doses. Fentanyl’s ability to rapidly suppress central nervous system functioning makes it the most lethal drug.
Fentanyl poisoning can occur within minutes, so recognizing the following symptoms and immediately calling 911 can be lifesaving.
- Drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue lips, nails and skin
- Confusion
- Shallow breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slow pulse
- Muscle weakness or limpness
- Dizziness
- Trouble with coordination and balance
- A drop in blood pressure
- Faint heart rate
- Muscle weakness or limpness
- Dizziness
- Trouble with coordination and balance
- A drop in blood pressure
- Faint heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory failure
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory failure
California Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at PACE Recovery
Break the cycle of opioid dependence with our specialized clinical tracks. Our industry-leading California facility provides mental and behavioral health treatment exclusively for young men. We also provide medical detox to stabilize clients before moving on to the next stages of residential extended care. PACE welcomes young men seeking a structured, intensive program for substance abuse, dual diagnoses and mental health disorders.
