The Fentanyl Crisis: How to Help Someone with a Fentanyl addiction

November 25, 2022 PCI Centers

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that can be fatal. According to the CDC, fentanyl was involved in over 31% of all opioid overdoses in 2018. If you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl, it’s important to be aware of the risks and how to get help. Fentanyl addiction is a serious problem, but there are numerous resources available to those who need assistance.

What is fentanyl and how does it work?

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid medication that is typically used to treat pain after surgery or for other chronic pain conditions. It is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and can be very dangerous if not used properly. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl can be safe and effective. However, when misused or abused, fentanyl can lead to addiction, overdose, and death. 

How does fentanyl work in the body?

Fentanyl, like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, functions by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are located in regions of the brain that regulate pain and emotions.  After repeated use of opioids, the brain adapts to the drug, reducing its sensitivity and making it difficult to experience pleasure from sources other than the drug. When individuals develop an addiction, drug use and drug seeking dominate their lives.

What are the signs of fentanyl addiction and overdose?

The signs of fentanyl addiction can include: taking fentanyl more often or in higher doses than prescribed, continuing to use fentanyl even when it is no longer needed for pain relief, stealing or buying fentanyl from illegal sources, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking fentanyl.

Signs of a fentanyl overdose can include: slow or shallow breathing, confusion, small pupils, loss of consciousness, and death. If you think someone has overdosed on fentanyl, call 911 immediately.

How can you help someone who is addicted to fentanyl?

If you think someone you know is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, there are a few things you can do to help.

1. First, try to have a conversation with the person about their fentanyl use. Be open and honest and avoid judgment or criticism.
2. Second, offer to help them find resources for treatment and recovery.
3. Finally, be there for them as they go through the process of recovery.

What resources are available for opioid addiction treatment and support?

There are many resources available for people struggling with fentanyl addiction. Here are a few treatment options and what they do

Treatment options include:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which uses drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Contingency management (CM).
• Support Groups: Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Families Anonymous (FA).

How can you prevent an overdose from happening in your community or home?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent an overdose from happening in your community or home.

Here are three steps that can help.

1. First, make sure that any fentanyl medications you have are stored safely and out of reach of children or anyone else who should not have them.
2. Second, dispose of unused fentanyl medications properly. You can usually find fentanyl disposal locations through your
3. local pharmacy or police department. Finally, if someone you know is struggling with an addiction to fentanyl, make sure they have access to resources for treatment and recovery.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can cause addiction and overdose. Please be aware that assistance is available if you are battling with fentanyl or other opioid addiction. For information about local resources for treatment and assistance, get in touch with us. In order to overcome this addiction and begin living a healthy, happy life, we want to help you get the treatment and assistance you require. Remember that it is never too late to ask for assistance.