Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used in the treatment of severe pain in the form of both pills and patches.
More recently, fentanyl has become illegally produced and sold for recreational purposes, boasting a high similar to that of heroine. In December of 2018, the Centers for Disease Control reported that fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the United States. As a customized addiction treatment center in Philadelphia, we have seen numerous people who struggle with their addiction to opioids like fentanyl. If someone you love is an opioid addict or has experimented with fentanyl, you need to know the dangers of fentanyl so that you can get them help at a rehab center immediately.
Why is Fentanyl the Deadliest Drug in America?
Unfortunately, the popularity of this drug is rising to the point that Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in America now. In one year alone, between 2016 and 2017, the overdose deaths from synthetic opioids, including mostly fentanyl (but excluding methadone), jumped almost 47%.1 This drastic increase in fentanyl deaths is cause for alarm. With drug usage increasing, the big question is: why is fentanyl so deadly? Our drug and alcohol rehab treatment in Philadelphia is here to answer this question.
One big reason why fentanyl is the deadliest drug is because of how powerful it is. Its potency is 50 to 100 times greater than morphine.1 Because of its extremely highest potency, fentanyl is lethal in even extremely small doses. People mistakenly take more than they need, resulting in overdose.
Another probable reason that fentanyl is the deadliest drug is because other drugs are often laced with it. On the streets, some people will mix fentanyl with heroin or cocaine without the consumer’s knowledge. If the dosage is too high, this may lead to serious and even deadly consequences.
Like all opiates, fentanyl is addictive, and people can easily become dependent on it, which greatly increases the chances of overdosing.
Watching someone you love struggle with a drug addiction is difficult and overwhelming. While it may be scary, if you know someone who has a drug addiction problem, you should take action immediately. The best way for someone to start their recovery is with professional help like PHP or IOP treatment.
Our opiate addiction treatment in Philadelphia can help your loved one get clean from these dangerous drugs. If you are looking for more information about getting a loved one into our Banyan Treatment Center in Philadelphia, call us now at 888-280-4763.
Sources:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Fentanyl
