What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl was first introduced to the United States in the 1960s as a powerful pain reliever for surgical patients and those with severe chronic pain. Originally developed for medical purposes, it has since become one of the most dangerous drugs driving the opioid crisis. Over the past decade, fentanyl has increasingly been used recreationally, often unknowingly, by users who purchase drugs laced with it. Its presence in illicit drug markets has led to a staggering rise in overdose deaths, making headlines as one of the deadliest substances in America today.
What is Fentanyl and How Does It Get Here?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. While pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is still used in medical settings, most of the fentanyl responsible for the current crisis is illicitly manufactured. Much of it is produced in clandestine labs overseas, particularly in China and Mexico, before being smuggled into the U.S. through established drug trafficking routes. It is often mixed into heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills, making it nearly impossible for users to determine if their drugs contain a lethal dose.
Why is Fentanyl So Addictive and Difficult to Quit?
Fentanyl’s extreme potency means that even small amounts can produce intense euphoria, making it highly addictive. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain at a much faster rate than other opioids, leading to rapid physical dependence. Once addicted, individuals experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and extreme cravings, making it incredibly difficult to quit without medical intervention. The cycle of addiction is further fueled by the high risk of overdose, as users may unknowingly consume a lethal dose.
How Fentanyl Kills
Fentanyl kills primarily by causing respiratory depression. As a powerful opioid, it binds to receptors in the brain that regulate pain and breathing. When taken in high doses or when mixed unknowingly with other substances, fentanyl can slow or completely stop a person’s breathing, leading to oxygen deprivation, unconsciousness, and ultimately death. This happens extremely quickly, sometimes within minutes. Because of its potency, even a tiny amount can trigger a fatal overdose, making it far more dangerous than other opioids. Just two milligrams (equal to 5 grains of salt) of fentanyl can lead to death.
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have surged dramatically since about 2014. In the decade since, nearly half a million (464,351) American lives have been lost because of fentanyl. To put that into perspective, the U.S. has experienced more deaths from fentanyl than occurred during World War II, or—with the exception of the Civil War—all other wars before WWII combined.
What’s Being Done to Curtail the Fentanyl Problem in the U.S.?
Current governmental efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis include stricter border control measures, increased law enforcement crackdowns on trafficking networks, and harsher penalties for dealers distributing fentanyl-laced drugs. Additionally, harm reduction strategies such as expanded access to naloxone (Narcan), which can reverse opioid overdoses, and supervised consumption sites are being implemented in some areas to help prevent fatalities. Public awareness campaigns also aim to educate individuals about the dangers of fentanyl and the risks associated with illicit drug use.
At Northstar, clients have access to naloxone while in the program and are also given the opportunity to take into the community. **Please note, an increasing amount of fentanyl analogs are being created that are stronger and bind more tightly to the receptors. This makes naloxone ineffective and rely more heavily on rescue breathing for life-saving efforts.**
How to Get Help for Yourself or a Loved One
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek help immediately—your life or theirs may depend on it.
There are numerous treatment options available, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with drugs like buprenorphine and methadone, which can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation programs provide additional resources for recovery.
Northstar Recovery Center is available 24/7 to help facilitate the early stages of your recovery journey. We can assist with detox placement, coordinate sober living, and offer best-in-class day treatment to set individuals up with the tools for long-term success.
Give us a call to get started: 888-339-5756
