• About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Download App
  • Virtual Summit
  • Benefit Hub for Subscribers Only
SWHELPER | Social Work | Social Justice | Social Good
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • News
  • Culture
  • Mental Health
  • Politics
  • Tech
  • Disability
  • Webinars
  • Podcast
Find/Post Jobs
  • Home
  • News
  • Culture
  • Mental Health
  • Politics
  • Tech
  • Disability
  • Webinars
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
SWHELPER | Social Work | Social Justice | Social Good
No Result
View All Result
Home Mental Health

The Rising Danger of Fentanyl Abuse

Daniel MyrickbyDaniel Myrick
April 7, 2019
in Mental Health
0
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on PinterestShare via EmailShare on Reddit

effects-of-fentanyl-abuse

In recent years, the United States and Canada has seen an increase in fentanyl related overdoses. Fentanyl is a pharmaceutical drug classified as an opiate. It is a whitish powder that can be found in the form of tablets, in capsules, and cut with other drugs. The drug’s infamous potency and accessibility has attracted many buyers and sellers.

Fentanyl was first used as an anesthetic during operating procedures.  It is currently being used to treat pain symptoms from a variety of medical conditions. Fentanyl produces a feeling euphoria and a sense of well-being, the effects can last up to 6 hours. A primary cause of addiction is the high tolerance after the first use. This leads to higher doses constantly needed to reproduce the initial high. The discomfort from ‘coming down’ is another leading factor in addiction, users will avoid withdrawal symptoms by simply dosing again. Other side effects include weight loss, hallucinations, shaking and sweating.

Opioids are the leading category in overdoses and fentanyl is steadily rising with people looking for drugs that are more accessible and more potent. Fentanyl has the same high inducing effects as morphine, only stronger. “Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Like any synthetic drug the potency is only an estimate but could easily be more as a result the likelihood of death is also higher. In Sacramento county 53 fentanyl related overdoses resulted in 12 deaths. Fentanyl, along with other prescriptions, can cause noticeable impairment that puts others at risk, particularly while driving. Drug dealers aren’t sure of the potency and users have no way to tell what they are consuming. Most fentanyl seized has been illicitly created.

For producers, fentanyl is relatively inexpensive to make. A kilo of fentanyl can be made for cheaper than it takes to produce a kilo of heroin. Fentanyl from China and Mexico has been found in the United States, with similar cases in Canada, both pharmaceutical grade and illicit. Fentanyl’s strength allows for the sale of smaller quantities to more people since the drug is highly addictive it results in a consistent demand. It can also be bought and sold over the internet on black market websites, it is a lucrative business for drug dealers.

Non-illicitly created fentanyl is sold from people with prescriptions or by those with access to the drug. According to Drug Abuse, “Because Fentanyl is frequently administered in a hospital setting, people with easier access to the drug (those working in or around a healthcare setting) may fall prey to fentanyl addiction.” Since it is accessible and prescribed to patients, law enforcement have found it difficult to prevent abuse.

Most labs and law enforcement are not equipped to detect fentanyl since its use is still gaining momentum. During 2013-2014, the CDC found there were over 400 percent more cases of fentanyl use than the previous year. With a high estimate for unreported cases, its various forms and mixture with other drugs make it difficult to be detected. It has been found mixed with heroin, OxyContin, and cocaine.

Withdrawal from fentanyl is non-lethal but it has similar painful withdrawal symptoms as other drugs in its category. Its potency make users particularly vulnerable to relapse. Support groups, clinics, and medication is available for fentanyl users to overcome addiction. Unfortunately, fentanyl related incidents are expected to increase in the next few years.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

New Baby and What About Me

Next Post

Talent Is Equally Distributed, But Opportunity Is Not

Daniel Myrick

Daniel Myrick

Daniel is a freelance writer and observationist, former English teacher and failed comedian. His interests include mindfulness, poverty, the environment and support for disenfranchised people worldwide. He is an ardent champion of terrestrial, freeform radio and a DJ at Radio Boise.

Related Posts

5 Ways To Boost Employee Wellbeing
Health

5 Ways To Boost Employee Wellbeing

January 7, 2023
Self Care is a Requirement
Mental Health

From Burnout to Firestarter

January 7, 2023
What is High Performance Culture and How to Create It
Business

What is High Performance Culture and How to Create It

January 7, 2023
To Address the Child Care Crisis, Talk to Low Wage Moms
Child Welfare

What is Early Trauma and Why Does it Matter?

January 7, 2023
ABA Therapy Is the Gold Standard for Tennessee Children With Autism
Mental Health

ABA Therapy Is the Gold Standard for Tennessee Children With Autism

September 19, 2022
Improving Older Adults’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being with Home Health Care
Elder Care

Improving Older Adults’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being with Home Health Care

September 16, 2022
Next Post
Talent Is Equally Distributed, But Opportunity Is Not

Talent Is Equally Distributed, But Opportunity Is Not

Social Workers Discover How Entrepreneurship Increases Their Impact

Social Workers Discover How Entrepreneurship Increases Their Impact

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
What Can Be Done To Solve The Foster Care Crisis?

Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

June 24, 2022
What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

June 19, 2022
Want to Work With Children: 5 Skills and Qualities You Should Be Working On

Want to Work With Children: 5 Skills and Qualities You Should Be Working On

April 7, 2019

Connect With Us

Twitter
FlipboardInstagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
SWHELPER | Social Work | Social Justice | Social Good

  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Buy Merch
  • Download App
  • Terms of Service
https://youtu.be/jWzjyPoSjtw

© 2022 Social Work Helper, PBC

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • News
    • Culture
    • Technology
    • Politics
    • Criminal Justice
    • Social Work
    • Education
    • LGBTQ
    • Technology
    • Disability
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Webinars
  • Virtual Summit
  • Career Center
  • Download App
  • Subscriber Benefit Hub
  • Subscribe
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Cart

© 2022 Social Work Helper, PBC

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Linked In
OR

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Go to mobile version