Fentanyl, Laced in Cocaine, Marijuana, and Other Drugs: What To Know

Fentanyl, Laced in Cocaine, Marijuana, and Other Drugs: What To Know

Fentanyl, like heroin, morphine, and other opiate medications, attaches to the bodies’ opiate receptors, which are found in the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Dopamine levels rise as the drug connects to these receptors, and there is a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. When fentanyl is overused, however, it produces a powerful high that can quickly lead to overdose. Fentanyl abuse is a problem for a lot of young people.

According to preliminary statistics from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose fatalities in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021, a 28.5 percent increase from the 78,056 deaths during the same time the previous year.

There is a substantial danger that illegal drugs have been tainted with fentanyl on purpose. Because of its strength and low cost, drug traffickers have begun combining fentanyl with other narcotics such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, thereby raising the risk of a lethal interaction.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has quickly evolved from a helpful prescription drug to a street scourge, claiming the lives of many young adults along the way. Fentanyl is a top emerging drug trend noticed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDH) due to its increased appeal on the street and among young people.

Fentanyl medicines are commonly known by brand names such as Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. These prescription opioids were initially used to treat severe or chronic pain patients. Fentanyl is a dangerous narcotic in and of itself. Still, it may also serve as a gateway to heroin, which is less expensive. Irritability, chills, sweats, insomnia, anxiety and nervousness, agitation, and restlessness are some of the withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl.

Signs Someone is Taking Fentanyl:

• Euphoria followed by depression or confusion
• Slowed heart rate and breathing
• Weakness and trouble walking
• Stiffness of muscles
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Shaking
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Itching and scratching
• Pinpoint pupils
• Hallucinations
• Urine retention
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeping problems
• Swollen arms or legs

Regular Fentanyl Use and Abuse Can Cause:

• Seizures
• Depression
• Respiratory depression
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Bronchitis
• Coma
• Tolerance and addiction
• Overdose

It may start as medical therapy and then turn into a life-altering addiction. Of course, not everyone who is prescribed fentanyl develops an addiction. Many prescription medications have addictive tendencies. Some have advanced warning labels from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommending the user to evaluate the drug’s risks against the risks of whatever medical or mental disease they may have. Still, if you feel someone is abusing the drug or displaying indications of dependence, it’s critical to look into available resources to assist them.

Only treating the prescription drug addiction without addressing the problem solves half of the problem and frequently leads to relapse

Passages’ prescription drug treatment program can treat both prescription drug addiction and any concurrent psychological illnesses, a practice known as “dual diagnosis.”

Non-12-Step Addiction Rehab at Passages

Passages Malibu is an alternative to traditional rehab. We provide a holistic, client-centered approach to addiction treatment. Find lasting healing through our model of care and experiential therapies. You will uncover the root causes of your addiction, and we will provide you with tools for lifelong sobriety and change. We can help you turn your life around and find hope again. Call (888) 920-8849 for more information.