Understanding Fentanyl: The Deadly Synthetic Opioid

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Its rise in popularity has led to a surge in overdose deaths, as it is often mixed with other drugs without the user’s knowledge. This article provides an in-depth look at the drug, its effects on the body, and the devastating consequences of its use.

I have personally lost people I cared about to this drug, used this drug regularly, and watched people I know spend their entire lives in prison as a direct result of this drug. I have seen first hand what it can do and I… Well, this isn’t about how I feel. This is me meeting you where your at as not only a harm reductionist but also someone that genuinely cares.

What is Fentanyl?

Back to the basics Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA classifies it as a highly addictive drug with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Fentanyl is produced in laboratories, and its chemical structure is similar to that of morphine but is much more potent. Fentanyl is available in different forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, nasal sprays, and injectable solutions.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is commonly used in the medical industry for pain management. Fentanyl is highly potent, with a potency between 50 to 100 times more than morphine, making it a highly effective drug for pain relief. According to USA Facts 70,601 people died from Fentanyl overdose in 2021, which is up by 25% from 2020. The DEA reports that 6 out of 10 Fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain A POTENTIALLY LETHAL DOSE OF FENTANYL! Maybe you should read that again. This is no longer the days of “oh, I gotta get me some of that.” Believe me I remember all too well.

Medical Uses of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is commonly used in the medical industry for pain management, anesthesia, and palliative care. Fentanyl is highly effective in managing severe pain, such as pain from surgery, cancer, or chronic pain. SEVERE pain as is terminal. This should not be used for tooth pain or back pain. It is also used in palliative care to manage pain in those patients with terminal illnesses who are nearing the end of their life.

Pain Management

Fentanyl is a popular choice for pain management in the medical industry. Fentanyl is available in various forms, including transdermal patches (an old favorite for those of us who were around before addiction was a disease), lozenges, nasal sprays, and injectable solutions. The transdermal patch is the most commonly used form of fentanyl for pain management.

The patch is applied to the skin when not being abused, where it releases fentanyl into the body over a period of days. This form of fentanyl is especially useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing or need long-term pain management. As I mentioned this was also the most commonly abused by those of us who were suffering with substance use disorder. I won’t go into how. If you know you know.

Anesthesia

Fentanyl is also used as an anesthesia adjunct during surgical procedures. It is often used in combination with other anesthetics to provide pain relief and sedation during surgery. Fentanyl is preferred over other opioids during surgery because it has a shorter half-life and is less likely to cause respiratory depression.

Palliative Care

Fentanyl is also used in palliative care to manage pain in patients with terminal illnesses. It is used to provide relief from severe pain and discomfort in patients who are nearing the end of their life.

Management of Breakthrough Pain

Fentanyl is also used to manage breakthrough pain in patients who are already taking opioids for chronic pain. Breakthrough pain is a sudden and severe flare-up of pain that occurs in patients who are already taking opioids. Fentanyl is used to provide rapid relief from this type of pain.

Non-Medical Uses of Fentanyl

As mentioned above Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It is often used illicitly, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Non-medical uses of fentanyl include:

Recreational Use

Fentanyl is sometimes used recreationally because of its potent effects. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. However, fentanyl is extremely dangerous when used recreationally, and even a small amount can be fatal.

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

Fentanyl is also used to counterfeit prescription drugs, such as OxyContin or Xanax. These counterfeit drugs are often sold on the black market and can be extremely dangerous to users. To me this is just ridiculous. This is a death cocktail. “Here let me sell you this pill that is going to slow down you respirations to the point of death while you sleep., and I will even make you pay for it.” I used to be the first one in line and it’s so scary to me now. I don’t know how I made it to where I am today. I really don’t.

Benefits and Risks of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a highly effective drug for pain management, but it also comes with risks and potential side effects. I don’t particularly agree with it but it’s my job to report the facts with no bias. I can however repeatedly share my opinions. It is my blog you know. The benefits of fentanyl include:

• Rapid pain relief: Fentanyl is highly effective for pain relief, and it works quickly to relieve pain.
• Different forms of administration: Fentanyl is available in various forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, nasal sprays, and injectable solutions.
• Low dosages: Fentanyl is highly potent, and low dosages are needed to manage pain effectively.

The risks and potential side effects of fentanyl include:

• Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to dependence.
• Respiratory depression: High doses of fentanyl can lead to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
• Overdose: Fentanyl is highly potent, and even a small amount can cause an overdose, which can be fatal.
• Withdrawal symptoms: If fentanyl is stopped suddenly, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches.

Dangers of Fentanyl Misuse

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Misusing fentanyl can lead to serious health risks, including overdose and death. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. This practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal overdose.

Fentanyl and the Opioid Epidemic

Fentanyl has played a significant role in the opioid epidemic that has plagued the United States in recent years. The misuse of fentanyl and other opioids has led to a surge in overdose deaths and has become a public health crisis. The opioid epidemic has led to increased efforts to monitor and control the use of fentanyl and other opioids.

How to Use Fentanyl Safely

Fentanyl should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions and take only the prescribed amount of fentanyl. Patients should not share their fentanyl with others or take fentanyl that has not been prescribed to them. Patients should also be aware of the signs of fentanyl overdose, including slow or shallow breathing, severe sleepiness, cold and clammy skin, and trouble walking or talking.

If your Going to Use Fentanyl

You can get free Fentanyl test strips at your local health department, needle exchange, and or any harm reduction agency in your city or town. If you don’t know where to go please email me at [email protected] and I will help you find free tests. I also do have a limited supply of my own that I am willing to send out at no charge while supplies last for those that are unable to find them. You can get information on safe use here.

I know how it is and nothing I say will stop you if you happen to not immediately have a test on hand so please use the Never Use Alone hotline. I am putting the information below. This hotline has saved three people close to me and I am forever indebted.

Additionally, you can purchase home Fentanyl tests on Amazon here. (This is NOT an affiliate link because I can’t bring myself to profit of the purchase of something that I believe should be free for all.) Loved ones, this is about the best Christmas gift you can give us.

Never Use Alone

National Hotline 1-800-484-3731

Overview

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is commonly used in the medical industry for pain management, anesthesia, and palliative care. Fentanyl is highly effective in managing severe pain, but it also comes with great risks and potential side effects. Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Misusing it can lead to serious health risks, including overdose and death. It is important to use fentanyl only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

I beg of you please get and use the Fentanyl tests. Share the never use alone number with your friends and loved ones. PLEASE program it in your phone even if you think you will never use it. You aren’t expected to partake in a convo. You just tell them your address and if you become unresponsive they save your life. They are familiar with the Good Samaritan laws for each state so there shouldn’t be any legal issues involved. You already know I will do whatever I can to ensure that you do not end up another statistic. Be sure to check out my post on Rompun Laced Heroin.

Post Off Quote

“The Goal Isn’t To Be Sober. The Goal Is To Love Yourself So Much That You Don’t Need To Drink or Drug.“

-Anonymous

Post Off Affirmation (Until Next Time)

I am stronger than my addiction. I will overcome my addiction knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me. I’ve GOT THIS.

This is a mix from my Pop and my son. My Pop always told me in our collect calls from jail about this light at the end of my tunnel and my three year old son has gotten in the habit of telling me, ” I GOT this, Mommy. I got this.” when he climbs out of the car or goes up the stairs. I don’t like it but I respect it and back off and give him his space. They grow so fast. I learn from my kids every day. Now you can to.

One last thing…

Comment and let me know if and where you can get Fentanyl tests in your community please. If you are having trouble finding tests or Narcan email me below and I will send them to you directly while supplies last. Please be sure to like, subscribe, share, comment, and register for our growing online community if you want me to keep them coming. it’s one way you can support my work so I can keep helping people on the largest scale possible. This has been way more work than I could have ever bargained for. I spent my savings and I have yet to make a cent, but every thing blog related is paid for 1 year. I have 1 year to start making money and helping people. I got this.