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Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

The opioid epidemic in the United States is a significant problem. As mental health issues continue to rise, the rate of addiction to these potentially deadly drugs has also been steadily increasing over the past decade. As if these drugs were not already dangerous enough, the addition of a super-potent opioid known as fentanyl to the underground drug trade has created a difficult situation that puts anyone who is addicted to opioids at an incredibly higher risk for overdose.

Suppose you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to opioids. In that case, it is crucial now more than ever to consider enrolling in residential addiction treatment in Aurora, CO. Any time you use opioids in modern times could be when they are laced with fentanyl. To avoid disaster, let the treatment experts at CeDAR help you or your loved one experience the healing and guidance necessary to overcome opioid addiction. For more information, reach out to our team of experts today at 720.848.3000.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is in a class of drugs known as opioids, similar to hydrocodone. Opioids act on the nervous system to numb and relieve pain. This class of drugs includes prescription medications—such as oxycodone—and illegal drugs like heroin. Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous opioid that has made the worsening drug epidemic much more hazardous due to its incredible potency and the extreme risk of overdose.

Fentanyl was originally developed in the 1950s as a surgical anesthetic. It was created to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine, and it’s been used for everything from pain relief to anesthesia for those in recovery or suffering from severe chronic pain. However, in recent years, fentanyl has become better known as a street drug, often mixed with heroin or cocaine. Fentanyl is used in these cases because it is much more potent, and therefore less needs to be used. This has led to drug dealers using fentanyl when they create drugs to save money at the expense of those who struggle with opioid addiction.

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

What is fentanyl, and why is it so dangerous? The importance of understanding why fentanyl is so dangerous cannot be overstated. This powerful opioid is estimated to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, meaning even a small dose can be deadly.

It is essential to know that it is impossible to tell whether a pill or powder contains fentanyl. This means that people who are unaware of its dangers may accidentally overdose on fentanyl if they are given a contaminated batch. Over the past few years, thousands of deaths have occurred from individuals taking opioids thinking they are one thing and ending up being fentanyl. In these cases, individuals are getting up to 100x the effects they are used to, which can easily lead to respiratory failure and death.

Find Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Colorado at CeDAR

Opioid treatment center services provide individuals with the tools and resources to overcome an addiction to opioids. By providing these services, overdose rates can be reduced as individuals can get the help they need. Professional opioid treatment center services offer a variety of treatments that can help individuals struggling with opioid addiction. These treatments include detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral therapies.

It is vitally important for everyone to understand why fentanyl is so dangerous and then take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from this deadly drug. For more information on how to get the help you need to overcome an addiction to opioids, contact CeDAR today at 720.848.3000.