Your husband has been in finance his whole life, and the road has definitely had ups and downs. In the beginning while he was learning, you recall living your life by market trends in stocks, wondering if you both would be able to afford rent this month. He was always smart and picked up on these trends quickly, and soon money became a non-issue.
As money kept coming in though, you noticed that he seemed to be getting bored with his life. You were happy being settled down with two beautiful children – but for him, it seemed lackluster. The powder and straws you would find after a night out with his friends were enough for you to confront him. If he wanted to use drugs that’s fine, you would take the children and leave. But when you go to confront him, he is lying on the floor of the bedroom, cold and unresponsive. What was he taking? What can you do to help?
In 2022, 91% of cocaine deaths in Pinellas County involved cocaine in combination with other substances. Tranquil Shores understands that some substances aren’t always what they seem. Our program addresses polysubstance use for those who are using more than one substance at a time, and is therapy-driven to uncover all factors that led to addiction. In today’s blog, we will be discussing fentanyl-laced cocaine, and what to do if you encounter it.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin. While there are different forms of prescription fentanyl, the most common type seen in the media is illicit. This means that the fentanyl is made without regulation or approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Common side effects of fentanyl include a euphoric rush followed by drowsiness, dizziness, and itchiness. It can be taken by injection, swallowing a pill, or inhaling through nasal sprays.
Why Is Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine Dangerous?
Fentanyl works by slowing the central nervous system. This system controls breathing, heart rate, and body temperature regulation. When too much fentanyl is taken, it can slow the central nervous system to a halt. Breathing can stop, leading to coma and even death. Temperature can also drop too low, resulting in hypothermia. When the body is deprived of oxygen for too long, organ damage can occur and be permanent. Because of fentanyl’s potency, as little as 2 milligrams can cause an overdose, especially in those who have never taken it before.
The dangers of mixing cocaine and fentanyl come from the type of substances they are. Cocaine is a stimulant, meaning it speeds up the central nervous system. Fentanyl is a depressant and has the opposite effect. It’s easy to assume that cocaine and fentanyl cancel each other out, but that’s not the case. You may not be able to feel the strength of the effects each is having on the body. The risk of an overdose increases as you don’t even know it is happening.
How Do Cocaine and Fentanyl Interact?
When cocaine and fentanyl are taken together, they can interact and cause harm to the brain, heart, and lungs. Some side effects of the interaction include:
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Signs of Cocaine and Fentanyl Overdose
When overdosing on cocaine and fentanyl, the symptoms may overlap. Mental symptoms of paranoia, confusion, and anxiety can be indicators that an overdose may be happening. Trouble breathing is also a sign that it’s time to seek help for an overdose.
Common Symptoms of Cocaine and Fentanyl Overdose
The most common symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow, shallow breathing. The person may slump or nod off and stop breathing altogether. A bluish tinge to the fingers and lips may be noticed and choking sounds may begin.
Common symptoms of a cocaine overdose include chest pain and rapid heartbeat. The symptoms often mimic a heart attack, and one can even occur. Body temperature can rise and cause the person to experience hyperthermia, which can lead to organ damage.
When cocaine and fentanyl are mixed together, overdose symptoms can overlap. Heart rate can become more erratic and seem to speed up and slow down. Body temperature regulation will go haywire, and bouts of feeling too hot and too cold can cycle. Breathing is the most important function to monitor as both substances can cause it to stop.
It is important to note that naloxone can be administered for a fentanyl overdose. However, it does not reverse the effects of cocaine, and medical attention will still be needed. There is no medication to reverse the effects of cocaine, and medical professionals will manage the symptoms and keep you safe.
Lower Your Risk of Cocaine and Fentanyl Overdose
The best way to lower your risk of an accidental overdose from cocaine or fentanyl is to refrain from substance use. This may not be feasible, as cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and cravings create a need within the body. There are some ways to reduce the risk of cocaine overdose and help protect yourself.
How to Test for Fentanyl in Cocaine
Fentanyl test strips can be used to check cocaine for its presence. There are different ways to use fentanyl test strips. The most accurate way is to dissolve a small sample of cocaine in water and dip the test strip in it. For pills or substances that come in chunks, break a small sample on a clean surface. Crush the sample and follow the same process of adding water to dissolve it. To read the strip, look at the red lines. A single red line on the left means the substance is positive for fentanyl. Two red lines mean the sample is negative. A single red line on the right means the result is inconclusive and consumption of the substance should not be done.
What to Do if You Take Fentanyl-laced Cocaine
If you accidentally take fentanyl-laced cocaine, call for medical help immediately. Stay calm and focus on regulating your breathing. If available, administer naloxone to counteract the effects of the fentanyl. Stay where you are and be honest with the first responders with everything that you took. While it may not feel like you are overdosing or experiencing any adverse effects, it is still best to seek help.
In Florida, there is a statute in place to protect those who seek help for an overdose. Under this law, those who believe they are experiencing a substance-related overdose cannot be arrested, charged, prosecuted, or penalized if there is evidence of substance use obtained while seeking medical attention. This also applies to those who bring someone to receive medical assistance for an overdose.
Treatment for Cocaine and Fentanyl Addiction in Pinellas County
Maybe your husband never meant to use fentanyl, or maybe he’s been using fentanyl and cocaine together for years. In the face of a crisis, such as finding your husband unresponsive, those details actually don’t matter as much, at least not right away. If your husband has experienced a cocaine overdose or a fentanyl overdose, it’s imperative to get him help immediately. Once he gets immediate medical attention and stabilizes, treatment for cocaine or fentanyl use disorder will be the next step. By addressing the root causes of addiction and working to build healthy coping skills, he will be able to rediscover himself and his passions to lead a fulfilling and substance-free life.
At Tranquil Shores, our clients’ success in recovery is our number one goal. Our facility keeps the client-to-therapist ratio low, at 3:1. This ensures that all of our clients get the individual attention they need and deserve to fully understand how their cocaine and/or fentanyl use disorder began. Together, we will help your loved one begin their recovery journey and be here every step of the way. Call us today at 727-391-7001 to learn more about our program offerings.
