What you need to Know About Fentanyl
In the recent past, several cases of drug abuse and overdose have been on the rise. Although drugs are mostly prescribed for medicinal purposes, some individuals go to the extent of abusing them. Examples of commonly abused drugs are cocaine, heroin, and marijuana just to name a few. However, if drugs are misused, they alter the normal functioning of the body.
This is no different from fentanyl drugs. In Oregon, the opioid drug fentanyl was the talk of the town due to its increasing popularity. For medical purposes, it is prescribed by the physician for the treatment of severe pain. In addition, it is regarded as one of the most harmful and dangerous street drugs.
From 2019-2020, fentanyl-related overdose increased by approximately 74%, and 298 deaths were reported in 2020. The Portland opioid crisis is expected to gain more interest as more cases are being reported.
To have a glimpse of what makes this drug’s use and addiction so hazardous, you need to have a clue of what this drug is, and most importantly its effects on the users.
Understanding Fentanyl
This drug was made by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen of Jassen Pharmaceuticals in 1960. It is completely a manmade opioid compound. It serves as one of the approved painkillers for the treatment of pain. Furthermore, it was prescribed to those who have a high tolerance to other opioids and suffer from chronic pain.
Even though the drug fentanyl continues to be famous as a street drug, it is no doubt that it is still prescribed as a medical tool. For normal medication purposes, the drug is either injected, or administered in pill form, and sometimes as an adhesive patch.
The drug is known to be mixed with heroin in an attempt to increase heroin’s strength. This creates an illusion in the users’ minds. They are aware that they are using one drug, but in reality, this is not the case. If the situation continues, it leads to overdose and possibly the worst; death.
Common Street Names for Fentanyl
Great bear.
China White.
Tango & Cash.
Goodfellas.
He-man.
Dance Fever.
Manifestations of Fentanyl Addiction
For those who use this drug daily, overdosing is common. Taking into account the indications of fentanyl addiction can be a game changer.
However, the manifestation of fentanyl addiction takes after those of other opioids. This is because fentanyl in itself is an opioid. It is important to note that those who are addicted might have suffered from other opioid addictions back then. Some of the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include:
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Nodding off (trouble staying awake)
Labored breathing.
Irregular heartbeat.
Intense sweating.
Constipation.
Confusion.
On the contrary, fentanyl addiction has behavioral signs such as increased isolation, using the drug to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal, unsuccessful attempts in quitting the drug, and constant imagining of the drug.
Fentanyl Withdrawal
Prolonged usage of drugs alters the body’s normal functioning. This creates a habit as the body cannot function normally in the absence of the drug. The moment a person stops using such drugs, they begin to show some withdrawal symptoms.
Several factors affect the severity of fentanyl addiction withdrawal. They include; the amount of drug taken, duration of usage, and method of usage. This drug can affect the heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rate.
Some of the fentanyl addiction withdrawal symptoms include:
Increased heart rate.
Increased blood pressure.
Fatigue.
Restlessness.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Anxiety and depression.
Tremors and goosebumps.
Stomach cramps.
Muscle spasm.
Agitation.
These withdrawal symptoms seem life-threatening and may make one uncomfortable.
Treatment for Fentanyl Overdose
To make more profits, most drug dealers usually combine fentanyl with other drugs which makes it difficult to identify the source of the overdose. Examples of drugs that can be mixed with fentanyl are cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Doctors, therefore, prescribe Naloxone. This is a medicine that can easily treat fentanyl. It works by binding the opioid receptors. This makes it easier in blocking the effects of opioid drugs. Naloxone medication can either be injected or administered as a nasal spray.
To ensure that the breathing rate does not fall after the administration of Noxolone, the patients should be closely monitored.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
Counseling.
Patients suffering from the effects of fentanyl addiction can undergo behavioral therapies. This has proven to be of great help in the patients’ lives. Here’s why: behavioral therapies help patients strictly follow their medications, and help them modify their behavior. Some of the counseling techniques include:
Motivational interviewing. This has inspired change in patients’ mixed feelings.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy helps in modifying the patient’s behavior and also helps in stress management.
Contingency management. This is like a reward. Patients who test negative for drugs get points that allow them to earn items that encourage a healthy lifestyle.
2. Medication.
Some of the prescribed medication drugs are:
Naltrexone. This prevents fentanyl from having an effect by blocking the opioid receptors.
Methadone. It binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. Furthermore, it helps in minimizing withdrawal symptoms as well as cravings.
Fentanyl addiction is harmful to the health just like other drug addictions. If you know someone suffering from the effects of this addiction, do not hesitate to call for an emergency as this is life-threatening. Together let’s stop this Portland opioid crisis. Let’s save a life.
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