Fentanyl continues to be a force majeure within the American drug scene. As its prevalence grows and cross contamination into other drugs continues to be documented, it’s important to have as much information as possible. Knowledge is power and understanding what we’re dealing with could be the difference between life and death for you or a loved one. Recognizing its presence and understanding its appearance is crucial for your safety and the well-being of those around you.
In this blog, we'll delve into the world of fentanyl, exploring its various forms and shedding light on how to identify it. By familiarizing ourselves with the appearances of fentanyl, we can empower ourselves to keep people safe and take necessary precautions. Remember, awareness is the first step towards prevention.
Understanding Fentanyl
Before we dive into the appearance of fentanyl, let's get into a basic understanding of what this powerful drug is. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is often used in medical settings to manage severe pain. It is estimated to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine and significantly more potent than heroin. It works in the brain by binding to opioid receptors, leading to a massive uptick of dopamine and creating feelings of euphoria, sedation and pain relief. These feelings of pleasure come at a steep cost though as its potency also increases its risk of overdose and death - especially when being taken by recreational users. The forms of fentanyl are many and includes white or yellow-brown powder, pressed pills, and liquid. One of the reasons fentanyl has become so lethal is due to its use in other drugs. It is being found in drugs like cocaine, Xanax pills, heroin, and fake opiate pain pills that contain straight fentanyl instead of prescription grade Oxycontin.
Recognizing Fentanyl
Now that we know what fentanyl is, let's explore its appearance and how to recognize it. Fentanyl powder is usually white, off-white or yellowish-brown resembling other powdered substances such as cocaine or heroin. However, it can also be found in other colors, which makes visual identification unreliable. It is important to remember that visual inspection alone is not enough to determine the presence of fentanyl. Pills may resemble prescription opioids or benzodiazepines but contain fentanyl. They can come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, often with imprints or logos to mimic legitimate pharmaceutical products. Counterfeit fentanyl pills can be challenging to distinguish from genuine medications, so it's essential to exercise caution and consult a professional when in doubt. It is crucial to remember that fentanyl can be present in unexpected places and may not be visible to the naked eye. This emphasizes the importance of never using illicit drugs or taking prescription medications without proper medical supervision. Testing kits are available to test for the presence of fentanyl. This can be used as a preventative measure while having Narcan on-hand can be a life-saving measure in the case of a fentanyl overdose. The prevalence of Narcan is growing with the FDA just recently approving an over-the-counter version of the opiate blocking nasal spray.
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction
While we don’t know what the future of fentanyl holds, we do know that being armed with information is oftentimes the best way to manage moving forward into the future. By educating ourselves on its various forms and understanding that it can be disguised as other substances, we can make informed decisions and protect ourselves and our communities. If you suspect the presence of fentanyl or any other illicit substance, do not attempt to handle or dispose of it yourself. Contact your local law enforcement agency or public health authorities, who can safely handle the situation. Get trained on how to use testing kits and administer Narcan. By staying informed and seeking professional help when necessary, we can mitigate the risks associated with fentanyl and contribute to a safer society.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a fentanyl addiction, call us today. Our veteran team of behavioral health professionals is experienced with treating fentanyl addiction and can help get you back on track.