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For Parents: Advice about Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can cause fatal overdoses in very small doses. It is often mixed with other drugs or sold as counterfeit pills, making it hard to detect and avoid. Fentanyl is especially dangerous for teens and young adults, who may not be aware of the risks or how to prevent them. Here are some questions and answers about fentanyl and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from its deadly effects.

What is fentanyl and why is it so dangerous?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a prescription drug used to treat severe pain, but it is also illegally made and sold on the streets. Fentanyl can be found in different forms, such as powder, liquid, nasal spray, eye drops, or pills. Some street names for fentanyl are Apache, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfellas, Jackpot, Murder 8, Tango & Cash.

Fentanyl is so dangerous because it can cause an overdose very quickly and easily. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be lethal, especially for someone who has not used opioids before or has a low tolerance. Fentanyl can also be mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or marijuana, or made into fake pills that look like prescription opioids. This means that people may not know they are taking fentanyl or how much they are taking. Fentanyl can also interact with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, and increase the risk of overdose.

How does fentanyl affect the body and brain?

Fentanyl works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are involved in pain relief and pleasure. Fentanyl can reduce pain and produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and calmness. However, fentanyl can also slow down breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cause drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and itching. In high doses or when mixed with other drugs, fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, which means that breathing becomes shallow or stops altogether. This can lead to brain damage, coma, or death.

What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose and what should I do if I see one?

Some signs of a fentanyl overdose are:

- Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils"

- Falling asleep or losing consciousness

- Slow, weak, or no breathing

- Choking or gurgling sounds

- Limp body

- Cold and/or clammy skin

- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

If you think someone is overdosing on fentanyl or any other opioid, you should act fast and call 911 immediately. You should also try to keep the person awake and breathing by shaking them gently, rubbing their chest, or giving them rescue breaths if you know how. You should also administer naloxone if you have it available.

What is naloxone and how does it work?                            

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of fentanyl and other opioids on the brain. Naloxone comes in different forms, such as a nasal spray (Narcan), an injection (Evzio), or an auto-injector (Kaleo). Naloxone is safe and easy to use by anyone who has been trained on how to use it. Naloxone can be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription in most states. You can also get naloxone from community organizations that provide overdose prevention services.

If you suspect an opioid overdose, you should follow these steps to use naloxone:

- Call 911 and tell them you are with someone who has overdosed on opioids.

- Check for signs of breathing and a pulse. If there is no breathing or pulse, start CPR if you know how.

- Give naloxone according to the instructions on the package. Spray one dose into one nostril if using Narcan nasal spray; inject one dose into the outer thigh if using Evzio injection; press the device firmly against the outer thigh if using Kaleo auto-injector.

- Continue CPR if needed and wait for naloxone to take effect. It may take 2 to 5 minutes for naloxone to work.

- If there is no response after 2 to 5

Brian D Makowski and  Damien Willburn

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Fatal Fentanyl Overdoses: Is the Government Doing Enough?

Introduction:

The rise of fatal fentanyl overdoses has become a pressing issue in recent years, leading many to question whether the government is taking sufficient action to tackle this crisis. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is exponentially more potent than heroin, has claimed countless lives and devastated communities across the globe. In this blog post, we will delve into the measures the government has taken so far, analyze their effectiveness, and explore potential strategies to address this alarming situation.

The Government's Response:

Governments at various levels have acknowledged the severity of the fentanyl overdose crisis and have implemented several initiatives to combat it. These measures include:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

Many governments have launched public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl and its potential presence in street drugs. These campaigns aim to spread information about safe drug use, the signs of overdose, and the importance of seeking help.

2. Increased Law Enforcement Efforts:

Governments have intensified their efforts to disrupt the production and distribution of fentanyl. Law enforcement agencies are targeting illicit drug manufacturers and suppliers, aiming to dismantle the networks responsible for the spread of this deadly substance.

3. Access to Naloxone:

Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives. Governments have made efforts to expand access to naloxone by distributing it to first responders, community organizations, and even making it available over-the-counter in some regions.

4. Treatment and Harm Reduction Programs:

Recognizing the need for comprehensive solutions, governments have expanded access to addiction treatment programs and harm reduction services. These initiatives aim to address the root causes of addiction and provide support to individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Assessing the Government's Actions:

While the aforementioned initiatives are steps in the right direction, many argue that they fall short of effectively curbing the fatal fentanyl overdose crisis. Here are some key criticisms:

1. Insufficient Funding:

Critics argue that the government's allocation of resources to combat fentanyl overdoses is inadequate. Without adequate funding, it becomes challenging to implement comprehensive prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.

2. Limited Focus on Prevention:

While law enforcement efforts are important, critics contend that the government should prioritize prevention by investing in education, early intervention programs, and addressing the underlying issues driving individuals towards substance abuse.

3. Stigma and Criminalization:

The persistent stigma associated with drug addiction often prevents individuals from seeking help. Critics suggest that governments need to shift their focus from criminalization to a public health approach, emphasizing treatment and support rather than punishment.

Potential Strategies Moving Forward:

To truly combat the fatal fentanyl overdose crisis, it is essential for the government to consider additional strategies:

1. Enhanced International Cooperation:

Given that fentanyl is often produced in other countries and smuggled across borders, governments must strengthen international cooperation to disrupt the supply chain and prevent its distribution.

2. Investing in Research and Development:

Governments should allocate resources for research and development of innovative harm reduction strategies, such as drug checking services and safer consumption sites, to reduce the harm associated with fentanyl use.

3. Expanding Access to Treatment:

Governments must increase funding for addiction treatment programs and ensure accessibility for all individuals seeking help, including underserved communities. A comprehensive approach that combines medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support services is crucial.

Conclusion:

While the government has taken some steps to address the fatal fentanyl overdose crisis, the magnitude of the issue demands a more comprehensive and proactive response. By prioritizing prevention, investing in research, and expanding access to treatment and harm reduction services, governments can make significant strides in saving lives and mitigating the devastating

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