What is Fentanyl?
Hey, and welcome to the Dope Blog where we talk about all things dope related. Today’s dope post of the day is on Fentanyl. So, what is Fentanyl? First, let’s take a look at a pretty accurate representation of what it looks like:
If you thought it was a new drug made in 2023, you are totally mistaken. According to a pdf on American Pain Society, this synthetic opioid was developed around 1960 by a Dr. Paul Janssen from Belgium. Then, it circulated in Europe and the U.S. as an intravenous analgesic used for surgery from 1963 and onward.
Have you ever had a minor surgical process and heard your nurse or Doctor mention “Twilight?” That is a nickname for Fentanyl amongst some other drugs used during IV anesthesia. Because this drug is almost fifty times more powerful than heroin, and a hundred times stronger than morphine,1. only a little goes a long way during surgery. At hospitals, healthcare professionals have a protocol and guidelines to work with, but on the streets, this drug is highly unregulated which makes it the silent killer. Do you or a loved one have a Fentanyl issue? Reach out to us.
When did Fentanyl Become a Main-Stream Drug and Hit the Streets?
For a while Fentanyl was deeply regulated and used only in the hospitals but in the 1990’s that changed. A new transdermal skin patch for Fentanyl was created for chronic pain to reduce medical complications that arose from many of the pain relievers patients took. Various types of new forms of the drug developed soon after, such as lozenges, tablets, etc. See the diagram below:
Full Medical PDF by Theodore H. Stanley from the American Pain Society found here.
So, as the drug became more accessible, criminals became interested in the great possibilities of chemically modifying them as well as distributing them on the streets. This led to what is called a Fentanyl analog market being born. Thus from 1999 to 2011, the death rate due to opioid analgesics increased almost four times, and really started getting much higher from 2013 on. It was around 2013, that dealers had begun lacing pills sold on the street with Fentanyl, their derivatives (analog), and other opioids, hence raising the overdose rate.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Fentanyl, don’t wait before it’s too late. Contact us today.
What is the Treatment for a Fentanyl Overdose?
If you see someone overdosing on Fentanyl, the first step is to administer Naloxone, also called Narcan. Don’t think, just administer! because it could save their life for the next 30-90 minutes which is when the Narcan nasal spray wears off. If you don’t have any handy, but someone is watching over the person, you may be able to drive to the pharmacy to get it. However, you must call 911 first. Drug dealers often mix Fentanyl with other drugs to increase the dependency, so you need to let the experts handle this. An ER at a hospital has the capability of running tests to see what drug is inside the person, and they will monitor their vital signs and treat them properly. Following these exact steps can save a life, be it your friend, an acquaintance, your family member, or a stranger. If you know someone who is addicted to Fentanyl, you may be able to save them from an overdose, contact us today.
Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose
A Fentanyl overdose can literally stop someone from breathing. So, the clock is ticking to call 911 or administer Naloxone or Narcan if you have any. Here are some symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose:
- Tiny pupils [a sign that indicates opioids are in the system]
- Nodding off, falling asleep, or completely passing out
- Weak breathing or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling noises
- No movement/completely limp body
- Cold sweats, clammy skin
- Discoloration in the lips, nails and then skin
Information found here:
If someone in front of you is experiencing these symptoms, call 911, and administer Narcan immediately. You could just save a life. The good news is according to the 911 Good Samaritan law which a good friend of ours helped pass, you can report an overdose, even if you were taking drugs with the person and you will not be arrested. This is important to know because if you are wondering if you will be incriminated for reporting an overdose and are hesitant, you won’t be, so go save a life. If you know someone who takes Fentanyl and you would like to save them from an overdose, reach out to us.
Rainbow Fentanyl and Other Types on the Streets
According to the DEA, Fentanyl is sold on the streets in the form of powder or tablets. The latest trend on the streets is Rainbow Fentanyl which are colored printed tablets that appeal to the younger generation. Drug dealers know that dealing is a business, and as such they use special tricks to make their drugs look more inviting. Rainbow Fentanyl looks somewhat like the below image if looked at from afar. These would all be tablets with printed letters and numbers on them.
Fentanyl kills, and as such, the government recommends that you do not handle it. Simply call 9-11 and let them know of your findings. We want all these off the streets, so don’t attempt to throw it away yourself or give them to someone. Simply let law enforcement handle this. Again, you are protected by the 911-Good Samaritan Law and won’t be incriminated and could save many lives. If you know someone who has a Fentanyl problem, ask us for advice today.
How much Money Fentanyl is Worth in the Streets
You may be wondering how much money Fentanyl makes in the streets. At $10 to $20 a pill, and no need for a whole poppy farm and harvesting because it’s synthetic, it’s a gold mine for the dealers. Check this diagram out to see the value of Fentanyl on the streets.
Here is the source: (Premier Biotech)
So now you know why this is being dealt in the streets and why so many people are getting addicted to this. It is so potent and highly addictive that those who are addicted will keep going back for this. Thus, we have a Fentanyl epidemic on our hands. Dealers are selling more of this than heroin in order to maximize profits and keep individuals suffering from their addiction. If you or someone you know is addicted to Fentanyl, understand that your next dose could be a death sentence. Contact us today for help.
Can You Die by Touching Fentanyl?
Despite all the myths that circulated even if you touch a surface that has Fentanyl on it, as long as it doesn’t stay on your skin for hours, you will be fine. If you accidentally get exposed to it, be sure to wash it off quickly and do not put it by your face. This is very important to know considering the stigma behind potential Fentanyl exposure for helping someone who overdosed. So if you are wondering if Fentanyl touching your skin will seep into you, you don’t have to worry. This has been proven by an assistant professor and co-medical director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Health. If you are struggling with Fentanyl addiction, or know of someone who is, contact us today.
Fentanyl Use in California
So, what does Fentanyl usage look like in California? According to Cal Matters, in 2021, more Californian locals died from Fentanyl overdoses than from car accidents. Here are some very interesting graphs related to this:
Original source: https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=Home
Additional source: https://calmatters.org/explainers/california-opioid-crisis/
As you can see Fentanyl use in California affects every age, every race and each gender. It is a problem in California that is causing people to overdose every day. Due to the drug’s consistency, and flavor, dealers use it as a popular additive to mix in with other drugs often without the user’s knowledge. The opioid crisis in California has gotten worse since the 90’s and as regulations have tightened around prescription opioids, people in need of pain relief and or drugs turn to the streets. Fentanyl is much cheaper and more accessible now than ever and we are seeing an upward trend in younger users using this drug as an alternative to heroin. Fentanyl is dangerous, and it takes lives quickly. If you or a loved one are struggling in your addiction, call us, and request for us to help you.
The Government’s Response to Fentanyl
Fentanyl not only leads to addiction, but it also exacerbates mental health issues, homelessness and incarceration. As such, the DEA is hard at work in trying to get rid of this drug off the streets. However, currently, emergency departments all over the state are overwhelmed with overdose cases. As a response to this crisis, the Biden Administration allocated $104 million in grants and assistance to a Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.
California’s Response to Fentanyl Beginning 2023-2024
As of Dec 14th, 2023, Governor Newsom has launched Opioids.ca.gov which is a opioid resource filled website for Californians. It contains information regarding prevention, statistics, treatment options and support in California and other states. Californians can also access information as to where the state’s funds go to combat this opioid crisis. It also provides information related to penalties in order to hold drug-traffickers accountable for their actions. California is investing nearly $8 million dollars in local organizations to support the promoting of knowledge, tests, recovery and support services. This stipend is being distributed throughout Northern California, the Central Valley and Southern California. These initiatives are part of the governor’s plan to resolve the opioid issues in the state. In 2022 alone, nearly 7000 Californians died from opioid-related overdoses. If you are sick of being addicted to Fentanyl or know someone who is using, reach out to us today so we can help.
Original Source: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/12/14/california-launches-opioids-ca-gov/#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20California%20is%20investing%20nearly,at%20greater%20risk%20for%20overdose.
Final Thoughts on Fentanyl
Fentanyl and other illegal opioids are being created in clandestine labs and or taken from hospitals to poison and murder those that you love. It is an urgent public health challenge that needs to be addressed. There is no reason why anyone should be homeless, and drug addicted. However, opioids are hard on the body and the withdrawal process is challenging. This is why many struggle to quit and end up overdosing. The social and economic costs that this drug causes is significant, as more users rely on welfare, and are unable to work. Addressing this crisis will require a team effort from sectors of society, the government, healthcare industries, law enforcement and all of us in the community. Let’s focus on self-love and stop and prevent trauma which causes people to use. As for those that use, we are here for you to help you. Contact us for assistance in stopping using Fentanyl today.
This blog post uses diagrams and images with the exact source links under it. Under the Fair Use Act, our use of these fall under Teaching and Research purposes. We are using these diagrams, and statistics to help educate readers about Fentanyl. This blog post itself was not created for generating income. Nor are we compensated by facilities that we refer people to that need help. If you need addiction recovery assistance and want to get off Fentanyl addiction, then contact us today.