In 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, synthetic fentanyl caused more than 28,000 deaths in the United States. As the drug responsible for the sharpest spike in overdose deaths, fentanyl is extremely dangerous and has vastly contributed to the deadliest overdose crisis in American history.
50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, fentanyl is a killer. Accidental death from fentanyl is now the leading cause of accidental death, even higher than car accidents.
What is Synthetic Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a manmade opioid used for severe pain management in cases of chronic or terminal illnesses. Fentanyl mimics the effects of naturally occurring opioids such as morphine or heroin, which attach themselves to opiate receptors throughout the body. This interaction relieves pain, or at higher doses, creates feelings of euphoria.
While fentanyl has only recently become prevalent in headlines, it is not a new drug. According to Medical Life Sciences News, fentanyl was developed some 60 years ago in 1959 by Dr. Paul Janssen. Due to its effectiveness in treating pain, fentanyl was quickly adopted by the medical industry.
Fentanyl can be lethal at incredibly small doses, estimated at 2 mg. When mixed with other substances such as alcohol, the danger increases. Mixed with stimulants—such as cocaine—fentanyl is a ticking time bomb. This is because stimulants can keep a person alert, but once it wears off, the fentanyl causes an overdose.
Treatment
While not always the case, mental illness, and chemical dependency often run in tandem. Regardless of which came first, diagnosing and treating all underlying conditions has been observed as one of the best routes toward long-term recovery.
Finding a treatment center capable of dual diagnosis treatment can offer many advantages in ensuring that you or a family member receives the best chance at a total recovery. Adequate treatment goes beyond just quitting a substance. If the root of the problem is left behind, the chance of relapse increases.
In addition to offering dual diagnosis treatment, First Step Center of sunny Arizona also specializes in dual diagnosis treatment and trauma informed care. With a small clientele base, First Step Center’s all-male residential treatment facility is designed to create custom treatment plans for each client in order to meet individual needs.
First Step Center also offers:
Finding treatment for opioid addiction is critical for a life-threatening condition. It’s not just about quitting a substance, it’s about saving a life. Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. First Step Center is committed to your total recovery and ready to help you learn the skills you need to take back your life and start living again. To find out more about our synthetic fentanyl addiction treatment program, call us now at 866.832.6398.
