It remains a prevalent problem in both the state and across the nation, as two out of three overdose deaths in the U.S. are a result of opioid use, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. Arizona has been battling the epidemic of opioid overdoses since 2017, when former Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency. Some people take fentanyl illegally by separating it from skin patches and injecting it. People sell illegal fentanyl as a powder, dropped https://mensleatherjacket.us/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol-2/ onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or as pills that look like other prescription opioids. While it’s safe for your doctor to give you fentanyl in a medical setting, some people abuse it, which can lead to an overdose.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Even if users are used to the depressant effects of other opiates, Fentanyl has a high risk of “out performing” other drugs. This extreme strength is why we see a more dramatic “bend or fold” and high rate of overdose with Fentanyl users. Texas has experienced a dramatic surge in fentanyl-related deaths in recent years.
Medical uses
Additional doses may be given every 2 to 3 minutes, if symptoms return before medical help arrives. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, which, similar to morphine, produces analgesia but to a greater extent. This robust pharmacologic agent is typically 50 to 100 times more potent. A dose of only 100 micrograms can produce equivalent analgesia to approximately 10 mg of morphine. However, fentanyl exhibits vastly different properties and pharmacokinetics. Clinically, its most common use is as a sedative in intubated patients and in severe cases of pain in patients with renal failure due to its primarily hepatic elimination.
Does the Fenty Fold occur with all Opioid Addictions or just Fentanyl Addiction?
Unlike conditions directly affecting the spine, the “fent bend” isn’t a spinal issue. Instead, it appears to be a severe neuromuscular side effect inherent drug addiction to powerful synthetic opioids. This rigidity severely compromises normal respiratory function and profoundly affects an individual’s ability to maintain posture and move freely, culminating in the distinct “fent folding” posture. Many opioid overdoses involve substance use, where people are unaware they’ve ingested fentanyl. It’s often mixed with or disguised as other drugs—like meth, cocaine, or counterfeit oxycodone—without the user’s knowledge. Given its potent nature, a small hidden dose can easily lead to overdose or even worse, fatal consequences.
What Does It Mean To Have a Substance Abuse Problem?
This contamination increases the risk of overdose and other adverse effects because users may not be aware of the potency or the presence of fentanyl in what they consume. Fentanyl’s extreme potency means that even a small amount can cause severe, sometimes fatal reactions. This synthetic opioid works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which regulate pain and emotions. This binding action creates a sense of euphoria and profound relaxation, but it also significantly depresses the central nervous system. According to the Texas Health and Human Services, just 2 milligrams can fentanyl fold be enough to cause an overdose in some individuals.
Why are fentanyl users bent over or frozen in odd positions? Here’s the science behind it
In many states, the medicine may be requested from a pharmacy without a patient-specific prescription. In addition to receiving treatment for a substance use disorder, people who use illegal drugs can help prevent overdoses by using fentanyl test strips. These are low-cost paper strips that can detect fentanyl in all kinds and forms of substances. You can become dependent on fentanyl even if you’re taking it as directed by a doctor.
- This rapid escalation into physical and psychological dependence means individuals are trapped in a relentless cycle of craving, use, and withdrawal.
- Fentanyl’s prevalence in the drug supply has transformed the landscape of addiction and overdose risk.
- While casual skin contact is unlikely to cause an overdose, fentanyl exposure through inhalation or mucous membranes poses serious risks.
- Reduced oxygen intake can make users feel dizzy and lightheaded, causing them to bend over as a subconscious attempt to stabilize themselves and breathe more easily.
It’s a haunting representation of how deeply fentanyl has embedded itself in New Jersey’s public landscape. Across cities like Paterson, Atlantic City, and Camden, more individuals are being found hunched over, unresponsive but still breathing, a chilling indicator of fentanyl’s grip. If you think someone is overdosing on fentanyl, call 911 immediately. While waiting for paramedics, try to wake the person by calling their name loudly if you know it and rubbing your knuckles firmly on their chest or shaking their shoulders.
Why “Fent Fold” Occurs In People Who Use Fentanyl
While using fentanyl, you should talk to your doctor about having a rescue medication called naloxone readily available (e.g., home, office). Naloxone is used to reverse the life-threatening effects of an overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opiates to relieve dangerous symptoms caused by high levels of opiates in the blood. Your doctor may also prescribe you naloxone if you are living in a household where there are small children or someone who has abused street or prescription drugs. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you and your family members how to use the medication. Ask your pharmacist for the instructions or visit the manufacturer’s website to get the instructions.
- You may use the second lozenge (Actiq) 15 minutes after you finish the first lozenge, or use the second tablet (Fentora) 30 minutes after you started using the first tablet.
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- Emergency responders need this information to prepare appropriate life-saving interventions.
- The phenomenon extends beyond fentanyl to include other synthetic opioids and substances like xylazine, underlining the impact of these dangerous drugs on users’ bodies.
Responding to an Overdose
Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. We are dedicated to providing you with the support and healing you deserve. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission.