A Synthetic Opioid Crisis Growing At An Alarming Rate.
Hearing “I died last week,” is one of the more chilling things an addiction counselor can experience, but unfortunately not uncommon. In Texas, fentanyl overdose is becoming the more common precursor to patients revealing this information to their counselors in rehab. This admittance typically comes after they’ve been recently revived and stabilized in a hospital emergency room.
Over the past five years, Texan fentanyl deaths have risen more than 75%, despite the known fatal implications of only taking one milligram too many. Although the dangers and rumored horror stories are widespread, the number of related deaths in young people worldwide has continued to climb in recent years. Emergency rooms continue to sporadically find themselves inundated by this crisis.
What Is Fentanyl?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of this synthetic opioid for anesthetic and severe pain relief (analgesic) purposes. As a substance significantly more potent than morphine, if not taken as prescribed, consumers face heightened risks of dependence and addiction. In the instance that fentanyl is taken in excess or in combination with alcohol or other illicit drugs, respiratory distress or death can ensue.
A few milligrams of fentanyl are often the difference between life and death, and it may come in pill, powder, or liquid form. Its dangers don’t only lie in its potency and addictive properties. Because the substance is undetectable by smell or taste, it’s nearly impossible to determine if other drugs have been laced with fentanyl. This fact has contributed to the rise of accidental overdoses and the purchase of fentanyl test strips.
Fentanyl overdose can escalate quickly. Being able to recognize this array of overdose symptoms can save someone’s life:
- “Clammy” Paled Appearance
- Loss of Consciousness/Falling Asleep
- Slowed Breathing
- Constricted Pupils
- Limp Body
- Difficulty Breathing, Choking Sounds
- Cold Skin
What Should You Do During a Fentanyl Overdose?
It can be difficult to know exactly what to do in medical emergencies. Drug overdose crises can be particularly stressful, as taking correct timely action becomes critical.
If you suspect someone of experiencing a fentanyl overdose, you should take the following action:
- Immediately Call 911.
- If available, administer Narcan/Naloxone.*
- Do your best to keep the individual awake & breathing.
- To prevent choking, turn the person on their side.
- Remain with them until paramedics arrive.
*Narcan/Naloxone is a life-saving opioid antagonist that immediately begins working to reverse opioid overdose in an emergency situation.
Of note, in most states, there are laws in place (i.e. Texas Good Samaritan Laws) protecting those who voluntarily offer their support during emergencies. Such laws ensure people who volunteer to assist in these fatal situations do not face consequences resulting from unintentional harm inflicted while performing life-saving acts.
Short & Long Term Fentanyl Treatment
Following the occurrence of a fentanyl overdose and medical stabilization, the most beneficial next step in recovery is admission to a substance abuse rehabilitation center. Within these treatment programs, patients can further detox the substance from their system, and gain valuable addiction education, medication management services, psychotherapy, peer support, and many other impactful interventions for at least a month. A patient may graduate through several levels of care (inpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient programs, etc.) all encompassing of rehabilitation.
Because alcoholism and drug addiction are understood as chronic conditions, recovery is a life-long process. People who have faced challenges with substance abuse and addiction require long-term supports that should include a care team of both medical and mental health providers. Treating the underlying medical and/or mental health challenges that led to the dependence on substances to cope, is as essential as treating the damages of the drug use.
Conclusion
The growing toll of fentanyl overdose-related deaths in Texas and worldwide represents lives lost, grieving families, and communities struggling with ongoing devastation. Medical and mental/behavioral health professionals continue to work towards the most impactful solutions. Raising awareness is critical to overcoming this epidemic together.
If you are located in the U.S. and require substance use support today, 988 can be called 24/7.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only & should not replace the personalized professional medical advice of your healthcare provider.
*This article was originally published in Desert Dialogue
Resources:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/legislative/87th/Fentanyl-Deaths-91322.pdf
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/fentanyl.pdf