The Fentanyl crisis in the US is becoming unsettling every year. In Texas, the rate of fentanyl-related overdose death reached 1,672 in 2021 compared to 883 in 2020.
There are many underlying causes why the numbers of fentanyl addiction and overdose death keeps rising. Anyhow, the fact remains that fentanyl is so dangerous that it can ruin and cost you your life.
In this article, Skyward Treatment will provide a comprehensive overview of why fentanyl is a treacherous drug.
What Exactly is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. It was developed to help people with their chronic pain from surgery, cancer treatment, and more.
Is Fentanyl Accessible?
No. Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug meaning it is a controlled drug. Schedule II drugs are considered medically acceptable drug in a few cases, but highly addictive and has the potential to be abused. Fentanyl is a prescription medication. Also, doctors are typically monitoring patients who use fentanyl to avoid abuse.
Why is Fentanyl Addictive?
The way how fentanyl works in the body is the reason why it’s addictive. When an individual takes or uses fentanyl, it will bind to the body’s pain receptor. Fentanyl not only relieves pain but also releases so much dopamine, inducing euphoria and a great feeling. It is why an individual struggling with mental health disorder uses this drug.
Additionally, an individual who uses fentanyl easily develops tolerance to it. When the body is tolerant to a drug, it will not produce the same effect as before, which makes an individual take a higher dosage every time.
When the body starts to rely on fentanyl use, withdrawal symptoms will follow whenever an individual tries to pause or stop using it.
What is the Danger Of Fentanyl Abuse?
As mentioned above, fentanyl dependence causes withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to fatal. These symptoms include agitation, anxiety, restlessness, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, and more.
Another reason why fentanyl is dangerous is that it can cause death by overdose. Overdoses are very common in people who developed tolerance to the drug, especially fentanyl. When your body becomes tolerant to fentanyl, you typically take more and more, which leads to overdosing.
Unless prevented, overdoses can lead to death.
Drugs containing fentanyl that you are not aware of can cause death by overdose. Also, relapse can be caused death by overdose because it can cause shock to your body after a long period of not taking it.
It is important to note that naloxone can reverse an individual’s overdose symptoms. Tell the dispatcher or the EMT right away if your loved one is showing drug overdose symptoms.
Seek Help at Skyward Treatment
Here at Skyward Treatment, we strongly believe everyone can bounce back from addiction. Addiction is curable with proper treatment.
If you or you know someone who is suffering from fentanyl abuse, we got you covered. We take pride in our Fentanyl Addiction Treatment.
We know how severe the fentanyl crisis in the US is, if you need assistance, our facility is located in Houston, Texas. Reach out to us today!