Across the nation, overdose deaths are on the rise due to fentanyl. In fact, more people die from drug overdoses or poisonings than car accidents and firearms combined. Would you recognize the signs and symptoms that could indicate a potential overdose? And if so, would you know what steps to take to reverse the effects?
Here in Arizona, the fentanyl crisis is very real. It has overtaken meth as the deadliest drug in the state, with more than 60 percent of drug-related deaths involving fentanyl. Just a few milligrams of the drug is enough to kill, and sadly, many people don’t realize they’ve taken the substance. Fentanyl is often mixed with other substances like cocaine and heroin because it’s cheap and accessible. However, fentanyl has no distinct taste or odor, and the only way to know it’s there is by using fentanyl test strips.
Since many people don’t realize they are taking fentanyl, it’s even more important for bystanders to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a potential overdose. If you believe that someone is experiencing an overdose, you can treat it as such and possibly save a life. This involves calling 911, keeping the person awake, and administering naloxone, if available. However, even if an overdose is reversed, this is only a temporary solution.
Wolf Creek Recovery helps individuals recover from opioid use disorders so that they can live productive and fulfilling lives. Recovery is a long journey, but it’s always worth it. Not only can you eliminate harmful substances like fentanyl from your life, but also you can learn to cope in healthier ways. Let’s learn more about what happens during a fentanyl overdose, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to handle it.
Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl is an opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Due to its potency, a small amount can be deadly. As with other opioids, fentanyl affects the whole body and can cause certain systems to shut down. Regardless of how or where a person has overdosed, an opioid overdose is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
What is a Fentanyl Overdose?
It’s important to know that it takes just two milligrams of fentanyl — or around 10-15 grains of table salt — to kill a person. There is also no way to tell if a substance contains fentanyl since it has no identifiable taste, smell or texture. According to the DEA, laboratory testing has found that six out of 10 prescription pills laced with fentanyl contain a deadly dose.
So what exactly happens during a fentanyl overdose?
Opioids bind to receptors in the part of the brain that controls breathing, blocking the signals that tell the body to inhale and exhale. If too much fentanyl is taken, breathing can stop altogether. The risk of overdose is even greater if fentanyl is combined with other depressants like alcohol or heroin.
As breathing slows, oxygen levels fall, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms. A person’s lips and fingernails may also turn blue. While some overdoses can happen immediately, most do not. They are actually most likely to occur within one to three hours after the drug is taken. Therefore, just because someone seems “fine” after they’ve taken fentanyl does not mean that they are.
Early Warning Signs of a Potential Fentanyl Poisoning
It’s not always easy to tell when someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose. Because the substance causes a person to feel sleepy and relaxed, it could look like the person is just nodding off. The earliest signs of a fentanyl overdose are a decreased level of consciousness, slowed breathing, lack of response to stimulation, and constricted pupils. Peak respiratory depression can occur in five minutes or less, which is why a rapid response is crucial.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can save a life. According to the CDC, you should look for the following signs:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint” pupils
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Cold and clammy skin
- Discolored skin
- Limp body
Dangers of an Overdose
Fentanyl is an opioid, and opioid overdoses can be life-threatening. Death can happen when too much of the substance overwhelms the brain and interrupts the body’s ability to breathe. And as we know, it doesn’t take much fentanyl to do this. Breathing can also slow to dangerous levels and sometimes even stop, leading to brain damage or death.
It’s also important to point out that combining substances magnifies the risk of overdose. In some cases, the person may not know that they’ve taken fentanyl in conjunction with another substance like heroin or cocaine. In other cases, the person may intentionally combine two substances to enhance the effects. For example, combining alcohol with opioids increases the risk of overdose toxicity and can lead to multiple adverse health effects since they both suppress breathing.
Whether from fentanyl or another substance, calling 911 as soon as possible can make all the difference in saving someone’s life. Administering naloxone can also reverse the effects of opioids and restore normal breathing in just two to three minutes. However, naloxone is only a temporary treatment. More than one dose may be needed to save the person, especially if they took illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
How to Respond to an Overdose
If you think that someone has overdosed on fentanyl, follow these steps:
- Call 911 immediately. Do not wait, and do not be embarrassed or afraid. Most states, including Arizona, have laws that protect the person who is overdosing and the person who called for help from legal trouble.
- Administer naloxone, if you have some. This life-saving medication is safe to give to people of all ages, from infants to older adults. Do not wait for emergency workers to arrive.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing. During an overdose, it’s possible for breathing to slow or stop completely. By keeping the person awake, you can prevent this from happening.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking. A person who is overdosing may not be able to spit or swallow. To avoid choking on vomit, lay the person on their side.
- Stay with the person until paramedics arrive. Do not leave the person alone. Remember, there are Good Samaritan laws protecting you.
Who is at Risk of a Fentanyl Overdose?
Anyone who takes illicitly manufactured fentanyl is at risk of overdosing. Even those who take prescription fentanyl can overdose if they do not follow the doctor’s orders. Things get complicated when people don’t know they ingested the substance. They might think that they are taking cocaine or heroin, when in reality, the drug is cut with fentanyl. People who have survived an overdose are generally able to share their stories because someone around them knew what was happening.
Risk Factors for Fentanyl Overdose
While anyone who consumes fentanyl can overdose, the people most at risk for complications are those who:
- Have an opioid use disorder
- Inject opioids
- Resume opioid use after a period of abstinence
- Use prescription opioids without supervision
- Take high prescribed doses of opioids
- Use opioids in combination with other substances
- Have concurrent medical conditions like HIV, liver disease, or lung disease
- Have a mental health disorder
- Are male, of older age, or of a low socioeconomic status
Treatment Options for Fentanyl in Prescott, AZ
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been associated with lower rates of overdose and mortality. An effective, FDA-approved treatment available for opioid use disorders is buprenorphine. This medication suppresses and reduces cravings, eases withdrawal symptoms, and blocks the effects of opioids.
Counseling is also effective at treating opioid use disorders, as it can help people change their attitudes and behaviors toward substance use, build healthy life skills, and stick to fentanyl addiction treatment. Some of the best options include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, group counseling, and family counseling. Holistic practices such as outdoor therapy, yoga, and creative expression may also be beneficial.
Wolf Creek Recovery offers comprehensive treatment services for opioid use disorders. Fentanyl is driving the opioid epidemic, but it is possible to overcome addiction to this substance. We provide a positive setting with plenty of activities for individuals to engage in, such as outdoor therapy that includes softball, tennis, pickleball, and disc golf. Our staff is in recovery as well, offering a unique perspective on the recovery experience. To learn more about our programs, contact us today at 833-732-8202.
FAQs about Fentanyl Overdose
How does a person overdose on fentanyl?
When a person takes too much fentanyl, their breathing can slow or stop altogether. This can lead to brain damage or death.
What are the signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose?
The signs of a fentanyl overdose include small, constricted pupils, loss of consciousness, slow or weak breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, discolored skin, or cold and clammy skin.
Who is most at risk for fentanyl poisoning?
While fentanyl overdose can happen to anyone, the people most at risk are those who have an opioid use disorder, have resumed opioid use after a period of abstinence, inject the substance, use the fentanyl with other substances, or have underlying mental or physical health conditions.
How should you respond to a fentanyl overdose?
If you believe that someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, call 911 immediately. Do not wait. Administer naloxone, if you have access to some, and try to keep the person awake. Turn the person over on their side to prevent choking and stay with them until the paramedics arrive.
