Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has contributed immensely to our nation’s opioid crisis. In 2022, there were 4,703 reported overdoses in Pennsylvania, or 36.2 overdoses per 100,000 residents. Every Pennsylvania county reported at least one overdose, with the exception of Cameron County. Lehigh Valley reported 55.8 overdoses per 100,000 people in the same year, which is higher than the statewide rate.
While prescription fentanyl can be used to manage severe pain, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has infiltrated the drug market, posing significant dangers for individuals across the country. Below are the major risks associated with fentanyl use, highlighting why it’s one of the most dangerous substances on the market today.
Extreme Potency
Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Even a miniscule amount of fentanyl—equivalent to a few grains of salt—can cause a fatal overdose. And, unless you purchase a testing kit that specifically checks for fentanyl, there is no way to identify the substance, as it has no taste, odor, or texture. People unknowingly ingest fentanyl when it’s laced into counterfeit pills or other street drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
High Risk of Overdose
Fentanyl’s rapid onset and potency significantly increases the risk of overdose. Symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening, as fentanyl causes the body’s systems to shut down. Breathing might slow or stop, leading to a loss of consciousness and organ damage.
Sadly, many overdoses occur because users are unaware of the presence of fentanyl in the drug they took. While it is possible to reverse fentanyl overdoses using Narcan, this is not guaranteed. Narcan must be administered at the right time, and it’s possible that additional doses will be needed. To further complicate matters, it can be difficult to tell if someone is experiencing an overdose or just nodding out.
Widespread Contamination
To increase potency or reduce costs, fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs. This is dangerous, as users might not know that they are consuming fentanyl, increasing their risk of overdose. And it’s not just the “hard” substances that fentanyl is mixed with; it has also been found in marijuana and counterfeit ADHD or anti-anxiety pills.
People assume that what they are taking is safe, when in reality, they’re ingesting opioids, and the most dangerous one at that. The DEA reported that 42% of pills tested for fentanyl contained at least 2mg of the substance, which is enough to be fatal.
Severe Dependence and Withdrawal Symptoms
Like other opioids, fentanyl is highly addictive. It takes just a few uses to become dependent on the substance. Physical withdrawal symptoms include severe muscle pain, vomiting, insomnia, sweating, diarrhea, and intense cravings. Psychological withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments.
As difficult as it can be to quit fentanyl, the right support makes this process easier. Fentanyl addiction is best treated with a combination of behavioral therapies, medications, family and individual counseling, peer support, holistic therapies, and lifestyle changes.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Lehigh Valley, PA
Fentanyl is a public health crisis due to its extreme potency, high risk of overdose, and widespread presence in the drug market. Understanding these dangers is essential for raising awareness, preventing harm, and encouraging those at risk to seek help. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl use, contact Recovery Cove at 484-549-COVE. We have highly structured outpatient programs that can get you on track with recovery.
