What you need to know about fentanyland its risks

Fentanylis an extremely powerful synthetic narcotic or opioid, originally developed as an anesthetic for use during surgery. In the last decade, fentanyl also became available as a prescription painkiller in atransdermal patch(applied to the skin like a nicotine patch or adhesive bandage).According to pharmacologists, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 750 times stronger than codeine.

Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to those suffering with cancer pain or severe chronic pain, but authorities are voicing serious concerns about its illicit use (without a prescription and without close doctor supervision). The RCMP says that fentanyl contributed to or caused more than 100 deaths in 2014 in Alberta alone.

When bought illegally on the street, the prescription patch may be calledpatch, sticky, or sticker. The pill form, manufactured in criminal labs, may be calledgreenies, green apples, or green monster. Other street names include Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend, goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, TNT, and Tango and Cash.

If you’ve heard about people using fentanylor you’re thinking about using it, you should be aware of the extreme risks. When used illicitly, fentanylisvery dangerous because:

-It is highlyaddictive: The euphorichigh isfollowed by a very quick, very lowlow -- a cycle that contributes tothe development of a severe addiction.

-Fentanyl is a “respiratory depressant,” which means that it can slow breathing to the point of respiratory failure causing death.

-The risk of overdose is high: Fentanylmay bemixed in with other street drugs (in particular, heroin) andit’sundetectable. The drugmay also be sold falsely as oxycodone (brand name OxyContin) or heroin, and because of its potency, users are unable to tolerate it, resulting in overdose, and even death.

-The illicit version is a street drug-- none of which can be guaranteed safe and most of which are made up of many harmful substances. To quote Dr. Mark Yarema, Medical Director of Alberta’s Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) and Emergency Medicine Physician: “Simply, there is no such thing as a safe street drug; there is no safe dose; and, no one is immune to the risk.”

If you’re concerned that someone you care about may beabusingfentanyl or other substances, or you’re worried about your own behaviourand wondering if you may have an addiction, LifeBalance, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP/EFAP) and work-life/wellness resource is here to help. It’s confidential and we’re available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can help you:

  • Talk through how to approach a loved one with your concerns for his/her well-being
  • Determine if you may have a substance abuse problem
  • Develop a plan for dealing with addiction, and connect you with community supports
  • Access educational resources, and understand your treatment options

Log in any timetoto read articles on substance abuse and addiction, including:

  • Addictive Behaviour
  • Prescription Drug Abuse
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Warning Signs
  • Concurrent Disorders
  • Are You Using Drugs or Alcohol to Cope with Depression or Anxiety?
  • How to Use the Employee Assistance Program

To learn more about the dangers of fentanyl, access the following online resources:

  • Prescription Opioids(Canadian Centre on Substance AbuseDrug Summary)

Call LifeBalancetoll-free anytime at 1.877.630.6701.

TTY: 1.877.371.9978

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