What you need to know about fentanyl

If you’ve heard about people using fentanyl or you’re thinking about using it, you should be aware of the extreme risks. Fentanylis a 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 illicit use (without a prescription and without close doctor supervision).

When used illicitly, fentanyl can be very dangerous because:

  • It is highlyaddictive:The euphoric high isfollowed by a very quick, very lowlow -- a cycle known tocontribute tothe development of 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:Fentanyl may be mixed in with other street drugs (in particular, heroin) andbe undetectable, or the drug maybe sold falsely as oxycodone (brand name OxyContin) or heroin. Because many users are unable to tolerate fentanyl’s potency, it may result in unintentional overdose, and 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.

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 is here to help. The service is confidential and we’re available anytime, 24/7, to help you:

  • 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

You can also log in any timetoto read articles on substance abuse and addiction:

  • 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 fentanyl, you may also wish to access these online resources:

  • Prescription Opioids(Canadian Centre on Substance AbuseDrug Summary)

Call LifeBalancetoll-free, 24/7: 1.877.630.6701

TTY: 1.877.371.9978

You can also visit .
(user id: -----; password: ------).