A young man regularly used fentanyl, and it was a prominent feature in his life. At parties, he would often mix fentanyl with other substances. Those substances included alcohol, heroin, and whatever else he could access. He felt that it increased the effects of fentanyl. However, he always believed that he was careful.
That was until one night at a party, he felt like he was getting sleepy. Something about his fentanyl use that night felt different, but he couldn’t tell what it was. The next thing he knew, he woke up in a hospital bed. The doctors said he was lucky to be alive after experiencing a fentanyl overdose. The doctors suggest that he seek treatment for fentanyl, but he tells them he doesn’t want to miss work. He believes that his work needs him there.
In 2021, 6,417 people died from fentanyl overdose in Florida. Tranquil Shores allows clients to keep their electronic devices and continue to work on them. At the same time, they stay at our facility undergoing treatment. Experiencing a fentanyl overdose is a severe and terrifying experience for those who experience it. Understanding how a fentanyl overdose impacts someone and how to react when someone is experiencing one can be a matter of life and death. Today, we will discuss what a fentanyl overdose is and how you can help someone experiencing it.
Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than morphine and heroin. The strength of fentanyl means that an overdose is a medical emergency every time it occurs. Often, people might experience a fentanyl overdose without ever knowing that they consumed fentanyl. Many times, dealers will combine fentanyl with substances such as heroin to decrease the costs, increase the supply, and increase the overall effect of the substance.
In Florida, you can purchase fentanyl test strips online. These test strips are the only way to let people know if fentanyl is in the substance that they are using. Since fentanyl has no smell or taste, this is the best way to tell if a substance has fentanyl. While not always 100% effective, these test strips can be a great tool in reducing fentanyl overdose because they let people know if fentanyl is in their substance before deciding to take it.
Fentanyl Overdose: Early Warning Signs
There are some early warning signs that someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose might display. Understanding these signs can help you save someone’s life if they show these symptoms. They can include losing consciousness or slow and weak breathing. They might have a limp body or cold, clammy skin. Some people might experience discolored skin or make choking sounds. Small pupils can also be an early sign of a fentanyl overdose.
Fentanyl Overdose: Advanced Signs & Symptoms
A fentanyl overdose is always a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Fentanyl works quickly and can be a matter of life and death for someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose. There are some more signs and symptoms that someone might experience if they are undergoing a fentanyl overdose. For example, their breathing might stop, and their skin will turn pale or blue. They might have a total loss of consciousness and be unable to respond. It is also possible that their body becomes limp.
Overdose Dangers
The most significant danger of a fentanyl overdose is death. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to become deadly. It can become even more dangerous when added to other substances. Because fentanyl slows down breathing, it decreases the brain’s oxygen. This lack of oxygen can also lead to someone entering a coma or experiencing brain damage.
What to Do in the Event of an Overdose
Always call 911 first when you witness someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose. It is best if you stay with the person until first responders arrive on the scene. In Florida, under the Good Samaritan Law, you cannot be arrested or charged for seeking medical assistance for someone if you believe they are experiencing an overdose. If you have it with you, you should administer naloxone as it can reverse the effects of an overdose. The Florida Department of Health provides free doses of naloxone throughout the state. Try to keep the person experiencing an overdose breathing and awake. If the person is lying down, turn them on their side to prevent them from choking.
There are some things that you should never do if you encounter someone who you suspect is experiencing a fentanyl overdose. You should never put the person in a cold shower or slap them to wake them up. Please do not encourage the person to vomit, as they could choke. The only substance that you should inject them with is naloxone.
Who Is at Risk of a Fentanyl Overdose?
Anyone can experience a fentanyl overdose. It doesn’t take much fentanyl to experience a fentanyl overdose, and it is possible to consume fentanyl without knowing it, especially if you consume other illicit substances. People who have previously undergone fentanyl addiction treatment and then return to use are also more likely to experience an overdose. People who return to use will often return to the amount of fentanyl taken before treatment, believing their tolerance is the same. However, one’s tolerance level is now lower after treatment.
Fentanyl Overdose Risk Factors
Several other factors can increase the likelihood of someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose. One of those ways is if someone has a history of overdose. Those with one fentanyl overdose are more likely to have another one. Returning to use after experiencing treatment can also increase your chances of experiencing an overdose. Overdose can occur with a return to use because many people return to the same amount they used before, but their bodies cannot handle that much fentanyl anymore. Note that even if you return to use, you can still recover from fentanyl. A return to use does not mean that you failed.
Also, if someone takes fentanyl with prescription medications, it can lead to an overdose due to mixing the two substances. Likewise, if you have been prescribed fentanyl and take more than prescribed, it can lead to a fentanyl overdose. If you take illicitly made fentanyl, you have a higher risk of experiencing an overdose. Illicitly created fentanyl is not regulated, so you might not get what you think you are getting. Experiencing several fentanyl overdoses can be one of the signs of fentanyl addiction. Remember that recovery is possible and can be one of the best ways to prevent another fentanyl overdose.
Treatment Options For Fentanyl in Madeira Beach, FL
Tranquil Shores is committed to your recovery in Madeira Beach, FL. We have a 3:1 client-counselor ratio dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care at our facility. For further information or to get started on your treatment, call us at 727-391-7001 today!
FAQs About Fentanyl Overdose
What happened in fentanyl overdose?
A fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency. It is vital to call 911 immediately. Someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose might not experience every symptom. Still, the person experiencing the overdose will experience some of them. These might include blue skin or decreased breathing. People can become unconscious or have clammy skin. Seeking medical attention for a person experiencing a fentanyl overdose is critical. It can be a matter of life and death. If left untreated, the person might experience brain damage, enter a coma, or die.
How many pills of fentanyl is too much?
A tiny amount of fentanyl is enough to kill. Consuming 2 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to cause an overdose or death. An overdose happens at this amount because fentanyl is much more potent than other substances, such as morphine or heroin.
