Addiction in the US hit an all-time high recently. Research shows that 46 million Americans struggle with addiction today, compared to 21 million in 2017. According to CDC, there were over 107,000 fatal overdoses reported in 2021.
The primary cause of death by overdose is opioids, especially fentanyl.
To further explain why fentanyl is the number one contributor to the opioid epidemic, Skyward Treatment listed all the important points that you should know.
Here are some facts about fentanyl:
- Fentanyl is a powerful opioid.
Fentanyl is comparable to morphine. Their use and effects are the same. However, fentanyl is more potent than morphine, 50-100 times more potent, to be exact. Because of its potency, it is used to alleviate severe pain in patients who have undergone surgery and patients who received cancer treatments.
- It is a Schedule II drug.
Schedule II classifications mean that drugs under it, like fentanyl, have medical benefits in some cases. However, it is a controlled drug because of its potential to be abused. Also, to acquire Schedule II drugs, you need a prescription from a doctor.
- It has two kinds.
Fentanyl has two kinds, pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Pharmaceutical fentanyl is the permitted medication in the medical field. IMF, on the other hand, are drugs sold underground and on the street.
IMF is extremely unsafe because it is likely not produced with the recommended amount of fentanyl. A 2mg of fentanyl is already lethal for humans when taken. Also, IMF is usually mixed with other substances to lower its selling price while having the same effect. However, this practice is very dangerous and can cause death by overdose.
- It causes mild to severe adverse effects.
Fentanyl indeed produces euphoria when you use it, but the negative effects of fentanyl are not worth it. Some of the effects include:
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Disorientation
- Difficulty urinating
- Respiratory depression
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cardiac disorders
- Weakened immune system
- Brain damage
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Fentanyl addiction can be treated.
Yes, fentanyl addiction is treatable, just like any other disease. There are many Fentanyl Addiction Treatment options like medically-assisted detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient program, and more.
Help is Available in Houston, Texas
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Skyward Treatment can help.
Click here or call (713) 835-4771 to speak with one of our treatment experts.