These people were prescribed opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone for legitimate pain and turned to fentanyl when they could no longer obtain their prescriptions. Therapy and counseling are critical components of fentanyl addiction treatment. For instance, there have been reports of purple fentanyl, a form of the drug mixed with other substances that give it a distinctive color.
- It touches every kind of community—urban, rural, wealthy, poor.
- Some users may not even be aware that they’ve ingested fentanyl until it’s too late.
How Do People Take Fentanyl?
Some users may not even be aware that they’ve ingested fentanyl until it’s too late. The “fentanyl fold” describes a severe state of opioid intoxication where an individual is bent over at the waist, often in a rigid and unresponsive posture. Their head is typically bowed, knees bent, and they appear https://ecosoberhouse.com/ stuck, unable to move or respond to their surroundings.
Can fentanyl cause long-term damage even if it doesn’t lead to an overdose?
Fentanyl abuse isn’t fenty lean the only opioid that can cause the awkward body reaction, Ciccarone said. Repeated fentanyl use can lead to dependence, which means that the person’s body gets used to the presence of the drug. They may be available through state and local health departments, syringe services programs, or drug stores and online retailers. Fentanyl can have negative health effects, even when taken as prescribed. These effects may include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, visual disturbances, constipation, muscle stiffness, and many others. Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today.
Harm Reduction
- While waiting for emergency services, try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Illicit fentanyl often appears as a fine white powder or is mixed into other drugs and fake pills.
- We will also cover misuse of fentanyl, addiction, and the risk of overdose.
We can review the intake process, verify insurance, and explain what the first days of treatment involve so you’re prepared. Our team works with medical professionals to manage medications and address mental health issues linked to substance use. St. Christopher’s Addiction heroin addiction Wellness Center helps men ready for positive change who need support, structure, and guidance. Located in Baton Rouge, our programs offer residential and outpatient treatment focusing on long-term recovery from substance use and mental health issues. Other prescription forms include injectable fentanyl used in medical settings and skin patches for chronic pain. Repurposing or sharing any prescription fentanyl product is illegal and dangerous.
Signs Someone May Be Overdosing
Some observers note that this spectacle—often witnessed on the streets or on public transit—looks like a scene from a dystopian world. It’s a stark reminder of how substance abuse can visually manifest in daily life. If nothing else, it puts into perspective the ongoing crisis where potent substances like fentanyl contribute heavily to overdose deaths. The emergence of the fentanyl fold underscores the pressing need for extensive public education on drug addiction and opioid overdose symptoms. Many individuals who witness someone in this posture may assume they’re simply asleep or mildly impaired, not realizing the gravity of the situation.
