Fentanyl The Deadly Drug Facts, Symptoms, and Testing
The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities across the United States, with millions of people suffering from addiction and thousands dying each year. One of the most dangerous opioids is fentanyl, a synthetic drug that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. This article will explore why fentanyl is so dangerous, how parents can test their loved ones, where to look around the home for signs of paraphernalia, and symptoms of abuse.
Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is commonly used to treat severe pain in cancer patients. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which causes the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure and euphoria. However, fentanyl is much more potent than other opioids, such as heroin or morphine, which means that it can quickly cause an overdose. Additionally, fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, which can further increase its potency and make it even more dangerous.
Another reason why fentanyl is so dangerous is that it is often sold illegally on the street, where users have no idea what they are getting. Drug dealers often mix fentanyl with other substances to make it more profitable, and they may not even know how potent fentanyl is. This means that users are playing a game of Russian roulette every time they use fentanyl, not knowing if they will survive the next hit.
Fentanyl The Deadly Drug
This deadly drug is a synthetic opioid fifty (50) times more powerful than heroin and has played a key role in reducing the overall life expectancy for Americans.
The annual death rate is approaching that of guns and traffic accidents. Among the dead are famous people, including musicians like Prince and Tom Petty. Just a few grains, like salt, can kill.
A staggering 67,000 people died of synthetic opioid-related overdoses between 2013 and 2017. This number was attributed mainly to fentanyl, a 46.4 percent increase over the previous year.
Government officials only saw ‘fentanyl the deadly drug’ as part of the overall opioid crisis. As the DEA began cracking down in 2005 on opioids such as OxyContin and Vicodin, addicts turned to heroin as it was cheaper and more available. In 2013 fentanyl arrived, and overdoses and deaths soared.
How Parents Can Test Their Loved Ones for Fentanyl
If you are a parent or guardian of a young person, you may be concerned about their drug use, especially if you suspect they may be using fentanyl. The good news is that drug testing kits are now available that can test for fentanyl and other drugs at home. These kits are easy to use and can provide results in just a few minutes.
To test your loved one for fentanyl, you will need to obtain a drug testing kit that includes a fentanyl test strip. The test strip is a small piece of paper that is coated with antibodies that will react to the presence of fentanyl. To use the test strip, simply dip it into a urine sample and wait for the results. If the test strip shows a positive result, it means that fentanyl is present in the urine.
It is important to note that drug testing is not foolproof, and the tests have some limitations. For example, if your loved one has not used fentanyl recently, the test may not show a positive result. Additionally, if your loved one has been using fentanyl for a long time, their body may have built up a tolerance to the drug, which means that the test may not be accurate. However, drug testing can be useful for parents concerned about their child’s drug use.
Fentanyl The Deadly Drug. Where to Look Around the Home for Signs of Paraphernalia
If you suspect that your loved one is using drugs, it is important to look around the home for signs of drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia refers to any items that are used to prepare, store, or use drugs. Some common items that may indicate drug use include:
It is important to note that not all drug users will leave obvious signs of drug use around the home. Some may be very careful to hide their drug use, while others may simply use drugs outside of the home. However, if you find drug paraphernalia around the home, it strongly indicates that your loved one is using drugs.
This drug can easily be detected in urine with a simple at-home test. If you suspect you found some around the home, there is a test for that too. Here is a link to all Fentanyl tests.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl abuse can have a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Some of the physical symptoms of fentanyl abuse may include:
Psychological symptoms of fentanyl abuse may include:
It is important to note that these symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the amount of fentanyl they have used. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others experience severe, life-threatening symptoms.
Fentanyl The Deadly Drug Conclusion
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that can cause serious harm to those who use it. Its high potency and prevalence on the black market make it a particularly dangerous drug, and users are at risk of overdose every time they use it. Parents who are concerned about their child’s drug use can use drug testing kits to test for fentanyl, and they should also look around the home for signs of drug paraphernalia.
If you suspect that your loved one is using fentanyl, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Addiction is a complex disease that requires specialized treatment, and many resources are available to help those struggling with drug addiction. By taking action and seeking help, you can help your loved one overcome their addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life.