Drug overdose deaths in the United States are a major crisis that needs remedy. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, are the primary causes of overdose deaths. Unfortunately, the authorities face challenges controlling fentanyl because some teens and young adults regularly consume fentanyl-laced tablets sold under the guise of less harmful drugs.
Like most drugs, fentanyl is a helpful drug with legitimate uses, but it is also dangerous, and there is a need to know how to protect users and reverse its effects. So how can parents protect their loved ones from fentanyl overdose and safeguard their health?
The potency of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that draws attention from the healthcare fraternity and its users due to its lethal potency. So why is it a significant public health concern? Its potency lies in its chemical structure since it can rapidly and tightly bind to opioid receptors, affecting the user’s body functions. Therefore, users need to understand the specifics of fentanyl addiction and seek help on time. Generally, the drug causes the body to release dopamine in large quantities, leading to euphoria.
Unfortunately, fentanyl also slows breathing and reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the brain, which could cause hypoxia. Low oxygen supply to the brain could lead to coma, brain damage, and death. Fentanyl is one of the potent opioids that could cause breathing problems and lead to brain damage or death. It’s crucial for individuals prescribed with a fentanyl lollipop to use them exactly as directed by their healthcare provider and to be aware of the potential risks associated with opioid medications. Fentanyl is usually more potent than morphine and heroin.
Why Do People Abuse Fentanyl?
Despite fentanyl’s potency, it is appealing to sellers and users alike. For example, some sellers mix fentanyl with illicit substances such as benzodiazepines, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines because it is cheap. Besides, some suppliers make fentanyl into pills or mix the drug with counterfeit pills.
Since the users are unaware that fentanyl is added to their pills, they have a high risk of overdose. Besides, manufacturers can make small quantities of fentanyl cheaply, which increases the profit margins for the manufacturers and distributors.
How Can Users Reverse the Effects of Fentanyl?
The good news is that the effects of fentanyl can be reversed using naloxone, an opioid antidote. Naloxone is a crucial tool in the fight against fentanyl overdose since it reverses the effects quickly and effectively. Therefore, users can carry naloxone as a nasal spray or intramuscular injectable to counter the effects of illicit or prescribed opioids.
Although the users cannot revive themselves, the people around them can administer naloxone to prevent overdose. How does naloxone work? It works by tightly binding to the opioid receptors and blocking the effects of fentanyl, among other opioids. However, multiple doses of naloxone may be required to reverse the effects of fentanyl due to its potency.
How Can Parents Protect Loved Ones From Fentanyl Overdose?
Parents can teach kids and teens that counterfeit drugs may contain fentanyl, which is dangerous. The kids should understand that a small amount of fentanyl can stop their breathing and cause death. Besides, they should not trust illicit drug suppliers since they could sell pills containing the drug.
Fentanyl is one of the potent opioids that could cause breathing problems and lead to brain damage or death. Due to its potency, reversing its impact is challenging, which makes it a significant public health threat. Therefore, there is a need to educate users about the dangers of fentanyl overdose, introduce effective control measures, and increase the availability of life-saving solutions such as naloxone.
Although the battle against fentanyl is tough, public health education and appropriate treatment can help control its effect and reduce deaths associated with fentanyl overdose.
