Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has been at the center stage of the current opioid epidemic. It is much stronger than morphine and heroin and is used in medical practice as an analgesic and as a substance of abuse. This article aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and myths about fentanyl, its risks, and its impact on the current drug situation.
Key Takeaways
| Can you overdose by touching fentanyl? | No, you can’t overdose by touching fentanyl |
| Can you overdose on fentanyl by inhaling it? | Yes, fentanyl is dangerous and can lead to an overdose through inhaling the drug |
| What does fentanyl look like? | Fentanyl comes in the form of patches, lozenges, counterfeit pills, and off-white powder |
| How many people die each year from fentanyl overdose? | Well over 70,000 people die each year from fentanyl overdoses |
| What does fentanyl taste like? | Fentanyl often has a bitter taste, like many other common drugs |
| How much fentanyl do you have to take to kill you? | A lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as 2 milligrams |
| Is fentanyl as addictive as other drugs? | Fentanyl is extremely addictive, much more than most other opioids |
Can You Overdose by Touching Fentanyl?
A common myth is that fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, but this is not possible for casual contact. Fentanyl cannot be ingested by simply touching a doorknob or a dollar bill, and therefore, one cannot overdose on it in such a manner. Fentanyl cannot be absorbed through the skin except for the fentanyl skin patch, which is prescribed by a doctor, and even in this case, it takes hours of exposure.
Can You Overdose on Fentanyl by Inhaling It?
It is true that inhaling fentanyl is dangerous and can cause an overdose. This is especially the case if the fentanyl is in a powder form since the particles can be easily inhaled without the knowledge of the person. The risk of overdose through inhalation is one of the reasons why fentanyl is considered to be very dangerous, particularly in environments where it may be available in the powdered or aerosol form.
6 Out of 10 Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Contain a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl
One of the shocking things about fentanyl is that it is often found in counterfeit prescription pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported that 6 out of every 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a fatal amount of the drug. These pills are usually counterfeit and are made to look like real drugs, which makes them very dangerous for consumers who may not know what they are taking. Fentanyl found in counterfeit pills has led to a profound increase in the number of deaths due to overdose.
Who’s Responsible for the Influx of Fentanyl Pills in the U.S.?
The entry of fentanyl pills into the U. S. market is mainly attributed to drug cartels and other criminal groups, some of which are transnational. Much of the fentanyl that is smuggled into the United States is manufactured in clandestine laboratories in Mexico, with the precursors being imported from China. These criminal activities produce and supply fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances, which are widely available on the streets.
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
Fentanyl can be manufactured and sold in different forms, and this depends on the process that is used in the creation of the drug. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is available in the form of patches, lozenges, and injectables and is of a much higher purity than street fentanyl. Nevertheless, illicit fentanyl is usually available in the form of a white or off-white powder. It can also be found in fake pills that resemble other prescription opioids, such as oxycodone or alprazolam (Xanax).
What Does Fentanyl Smell Like?
Fentanyl is usually an odorless drug, which can be problematic. While some drugs have a specific smell, fentanyl does not have any smell that would alert a person to its presence. This property increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion, particularly when the substance is combined with other substances or sold in the form of counterfeit tablets.
How Many People Die Each Year from Fentanyl Overdoses?
Fentanyl overdose deaths have been on the rise, and the numbers are only getting worse. The CDC has reported that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were the cause of death of more than 70,000 people in the United States in 2022. This figure shows the magnitude of the problem and the lethality of fentanyl in the affected communities throughout the nation.
What Does Fentanyl Taste Like?
The taste of fentanyl is said to be bitter, just like other opioids in its class and is often combined with other compounds or made into fake capsules. The taste may differ depending on what it is combined with. Taste of fentanyl is not a good way to determine if the substance contains fentanyl, and consuming a substance based on taste is very risky.
Will Fentanyl Test Positive for Opiates?
Yes, fentanyl can be detected in a drug screening for opiates, but it is not always detected in standard opiate tests. Most tests cannot detect fentanyl, and therefore, specific tests have to be conducted to confirm its presence. These tests are also on the rise due to the rising cases of fentanyl use, particularly in facilities such as rehabilitation centers and police departments.
How Much Fentanyl Can Kill You?
Fentanyl is highly potent, and the amount of the drug that can be fatal ranges from 2 milligrams for a small person to a moderate user and in the form of fentanyl patches. To put it into perspective, 2 milligrams is as big as two to three grains of salt. This high concentration is what makes fentanyl incredibly lethal, particularly when it is combined with other substances or taken by people who have no prior exposure to opioids.
Is Fentanyl as Addictive as Other Drugs?
Fentanyl is very addictive. It is even more addictive than many other opioids. Fentanyl affects the opioid receptors in the brain, causes feelings of pleasure and pain relief, and can cause physical dependence and drug addiction within a short time, leading many to seek out drug addiction treatment. Fentanyl is highly addictive, and users can build up a tolerance to the drug quickly and need to take more of it to get the same effect, which in turn raises the chances of an overdose.
What do Doctors prescribe Fentanyl For?
Fentanyl is used in medical practice to manage severe pain, especially in cancer patients or patients with opioid tolerance. It is employed in cases where pain cannot be managed by other drugs. Fentanyl can be given through the skin as a patch, in the mouth as a lozenge, intravenously, or as part of a general anesthetic.
What Are the Most Common Forms of Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is available in different types, both legal and illicit. In medical use, it is available as transdermal patches and lozenges, also known as ‘lollipops’ or injectable solutions. Fentanyl is usually encountered in the illicit form as a powder, in the form of counterfeit pills, or combination with other substances such as heroin or cocaine.
Where Did Fentanyl Come From?
Fentanyl was developed in 1960 by Dr. Paul Janssen, a Belgian chemist and a member of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Company. It was first introduced in the market as a strong analgesic drug to be used in surgeries or for patients with severe pain. Due to its strength, it became a drug of choice and, therefore, was misused, and this has led to the current problem of illicit fentanyl production and distribution.
We hope this article has provided you with helpful information about fentanyl. The increase in fentanyl-related overdoses shows that people should be more careful and informed when it comes to using any substances that may contain this deadly drug.
Getting Help for Addiction
If you or someone you know might be addicted to fentanyl, a drug rehab center can help. Addiction is a disease that can be managed and managed with the right help and intervention.
Virtue Recovery Center provides a full range of services designed to meet the patient’s specific requirements and help him or her start the recovery process. Please do not hesitate to contact our admissions navigators for information on the most suitable treatment program and to start the process of positive change in your life or the life of your loved one.
Conclusion
It is impossible to overemphasize the part played by fentanyl in the opioid epidemic. Due to its high efficacy and use in the black market, it has become a major concern in health. It is, therefore, important to know the facts about fentanyl, its use in medical practice, the consequences of exposure, and the threat of fake pills in combating this menace. Prevention, knowledge, and preparedness are crucial to avoid more disasters and reduce the effects of this dangerous drug in society.
FAQ
Can you overdose by touching fentanyl?
No, an overdose from touching fentanyl is extremely unlikely, as it is not easily absorbed through the skin in amounts large enough to be harmful.
Can you overdose on fentanyl by inhaling it?
Yes, inhaling fentanyl, especially in powdered form, can lead to an overdose as airborne particles can be inhaled and absorbed quickly into the bloodstream.
What does fentanyl look like?
Fentanyl can appear as a white or off-white powder, in counterfeit pills mimicking prescription medications, or in transdermal patches, lozenges, and injectable forms when used medically.
What does fentanyl taste like?
Fentanyl is typically described as having a bitter taste, but it may be mixed with other substances that can alter its flavor.
Is fentanyl dangerous even in small amounts?
Yes, fentanyl is extremely potent, and even small amounts—around 2 milligrams—can be lethal, particularly for individuals without opioid tolerance.
What should you do if you suspect someone has been exposed to fentanyl?
If someone is showing signs of an overdose, such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available.
How can you identify counterfeit pills that might contain fentanyl?
It’s challenging to identify counterfeit pills without proper testing, as they often look identical to legitimate prescription drugs. Avoid taking pills that aren’t prescribed to you, and consider using fentanyl test strips to check for the presence of the drug.
Citations
Statista: “Number of overdose deaths from fentanyl in the U.S. from 1999 to 2022”
https://www.statista.com/statistics/895945/fentanyl-overdose-deaths-us/
HealthDirect.Gov.Au: “Fentanyl”
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fentanyl
UC Davis Health: “Can fentanyl be absorbed through your skin?”
https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/can-fentanyl-be-absorbed-through-your-skin/2022/10
