Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients. When used appropriately and under the supervision of a healthcare professional, fentanyl can be an effective pain-relieving medication. However, when used without a prescription or abused recreationally, fentanyl can carry serious risks.
Is fentanyl dangerous? How dangerous is fentanyl? Understanding the dangers of fentanyl can help you or a loved one stay safe and get on the road to recovery.
With the right treatment and support, individuals can overcome their addiction to fentanyl and regain control of their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, reach out for help today. Contact Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Substance Use Disorders at 866.520.2861 for fentanyl addiction treatment and let us help you start your journey to recovery.
How Dangerous is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Doctors prescribe it as a pain reliever, ideal for patients with a high tolerance for the typical medications used for pain relief. Fentanyl has also been illegally produced and used recreationally, which has led to a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses.
Since fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids available, even a small amount of fentanyl can cause serious harm. The risk of overdose and death is high, particularly for people who are not used to taking opioids or who take other drugs along with fentanyl.
Is Fentanyl Dangerous?
Yes, fentanyl is dangerous. It is responsible for most opioid overdose deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 36,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2019, and fentanyl was involved in more than half of those deaths.
How dangerous is fentanyl? The risks of using fentanyl are numerous. Here are just a few:
- Overdose – As mentioned earlier, even a small amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose. This often happens because people do not know that the drugs they are taking contain fentanyl or because they are addicted and have developed a high tolerance to opioids.
- Respiratory depression – Fentanyl can cause slow and shallow breathing, leading to respiratory depression and death.
- Addiction – Fentanyl is highly addictive. People who use it recreationally or for non-medical reasons are at high risk of developing a substance use disorder.
- Withdrawal – When people become addicted to fentanyl, stopping abruptly can cause severe and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult for them to quit the drug.
How Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Can Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seeking help as quickly as possible is essential. Fentanyl addiction treatment can help people overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives. At Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Substance Use Disorders, our team of addiction experts can provide compassionate and evidence-based treatment to help you or your loved one recover from fentanyl addiction.
We offer various outpatient services to meet clients’ unique needs, including individual counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. We aim to help people develop the skills and strategies to overcome addiction and lead fulfilling, healthy lives.
Start Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Substance Use Disorders Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, do not hesitate to contact Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Substance Use Disorders today. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, from initial assessment to ongoing support and aftercare. Together, we can help you overcome addiction and build a brighter future.
Call us today at 866.520.2861 or complete our web form to learn more about our fentanyl addiction treatment program and how we can help.
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Nicki Lugo is currently employed as Clinical Director at Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas. Nicki is a licensed clinical professional counselor (CPC) in the state of Nevada and a licensed associate counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona. She is also a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) in Nevada. Additionally, Nicki has specialized training in treating trauma and is a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS).
Nicki has earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Nicki is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Grand Canyon University. Nicki’s research interests include the use of Positive Psychology interventions with dual diagnosis clients. Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders.
Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility. She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by substance use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower.
