What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. It has a rapid onset of action, with effects occurring within minutes of administration. Fentanyl is most commonly prescribed by doctors for the management of severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or from a cancer diagnosis, however, it is also often used in illicit forms for recreational use.
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
Fentanyl is available in many forms, including tablets, patches, and injectable solutions. Pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is typically found in lozenge form for sublingual absorption or transdermal patches for slow-release medication administration. Illicit forms of fentanyl are more likely to be found as tablets, powders or solutions that can be injected intravenously. The appearance of these illicit forms will depend on the manufacturer and the purity of the product; however, they may have an off-white to light tan coloring and/or be mixed with other substances such as cornstarch or flour.
According to the DEA, 2 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill you. That is about the size of the tip of a sharpen pencil.
Where Does Fentanyl Come From?
Pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is produced in laboratories according to strict regulations and then distributed by licensed companies following valid prescriptions from medical professionals. Illicit forms of fentanyl are manufactured in clandestine laboratories and trafficked illegally across borders. Sources differ but there is evidence to suggest that some illegal drugs containing fentanyl originate from Mexico or China where it may enter through illegal smuggling channels.
What Is Fentanyl Used For?
Fentanyl was initially developed as an anesthetic and painkiller due to its potency and fast onset of action compared to other opioids. It has been approved by the FDA since 1968 and continues to be used medically (under prescription) in cases where moderate to strong opioids are required to manage pain relief effectively. However, due to its potency and fast-acting properties, fentanyl has seen an increase in recreational use because individuals seek out a high that is far beyond what can be achieved with natural opiates like heroin or oxycodone. As such, it presents significant risks when used without medical supervision due to its potential for overdose if taken incorrectly or combined with other substances.
How Does Fentanyl Make You Feel?
When administered under controlled conditions (i.e., under medical supervision) users will experience pain relief as well as sensations associated with euphoria depending on body chemistry and how much is taken at one time - both factors which make this drug extremely dangerous when not overseen by healthcare professionals because taking too much could potentially lead to respiratory depression resulting in death even if only taken once. When taken recreationally, users will experience a pleasant sense of relaxation coupled with feelings of euphoria; however, it has also been known to cause nausea and vomiting due to its potency, so it is essential not to take too much at once.
How To Get Help For Fentanyl Addiction?
If you think you may have become addicted to fentanyl, then it’s crucial you seek help right away before your health deteriorates any further. Treatment options include detoxification programs which involve gradually reducing your dose over time until you’re clear from the drug entirely, rehabilitation facilities aimed at providing psychological support alongside physical treatment, counseling services designed specifically for people suffering from addiction, holistic therapies designed around achieving overall wellbeing, peer support schemes whereby people share their experiences with friends who have gone through similar experiences, as well as volunteering opportunities working within charities dedicated to helping those suffering from substance abuse. All these methods must be tailored specifically toward your individual needs but seeking help early on should ensure you get back on track sooner rather than later.
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