In the midst of America’s opioid crisis, fentanyl has emerged as one of the most dangerous substances contributing to overdose deaths. At Refine Recovery, our luxury rehab near Beverly Hills center specializes in treating fentanyl addiction with compassionate, evidence-based care. Understanding the signs and symptoms of fentanyl overdose could save a life – whether your own or that of a loved one.
What Is Fentanyl and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Originally developed for pain management in cancer patients, fentanyl has infiltrated the illegal drug market at an alarming rate. Its potency means even a small amount – as little as 2 milligrams, equivalent to a few grains of salt – can be lethal. For more detailed information, visit our article on How Much Fentanyl Is Lethal?
The danger is compounded by the fact that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills without the user’s knowledge, dramatically increasing overdose risk. Many cases of polysubstance addiction involve fentanyl unknowingly.
According to the CDC, synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) were involved in about 68% of overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022, with nearly 74,000 deaths attributed to these substances. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been increasingly found in the drug supply over the past decade, contributing dramatically to the rise in drug overdose deaths.
What Does a Fentanyl Overdose Feel Like? The Progression of Symptoms
Understanding what happens during a fentanyl overdose can help identify when someone needs immediate medical attention. While the person experiencing the overdose may not be able to articulate what they’re feeling, knowing the progression can help observers recognize the emergency.
Early Signs and Sensations
In the initial stages of a fentanyl overdose, a person might experience:
- Extreme drowsiness or sudden sedation
- Dizziness and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constricted, pinpoint pupils
- Weakness and difficulty moving
- Slurred speech or inability to speak coherently
The individual might describe feeling an intense rush followed by overwhelming drowsiness that they cannot fight. This is not the typical euphoria sought from opioid use, but rather a dangerous suppression of vital functions.
Progressive Symptoms
As the overdose progresses, more severe and life-threatening symptoms develop:
- Respiratory depression (slow, shallow, or stopped breathing)
- Blue or purple discoloration of lips and nails (cyanosis)
- Cold, clammy skin
- Unconsciousness or inability to be awakened
- Choking or gurgling sounds (death rattle)
- Limpness of the body
- Cardiac arrest
The Internal Experience
While external symptoms are observable, the internal experience of a fentanyl overdose (as reported by survivors) often includes:
- A sensation of being unable to breathe, even when trying
- Feeling extremely cold
- A disconnection from one’s body or surroundings
- Loss of awareness of time and place
- Fading in and out of consciousness
It’s important to note that many overdose victims lose consciousness quickly and may not remember much of the experience if they survive.
Medical research literature identifies specific complications with fentanyl overdose, with skeletal muscle rigidity and chest wall rigidity being among the most commonly reported. Due to fentanyl’s high lipid profile, it dissolves quickly in fats and rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to a much faster onset of overdose symptoms compared to other opioids.
How Is Fentanyl Overdose Different From Other Opioid Overdoses?
Fentanyl overdoses differ from other opioid overdoses in several critical ways:
- Speed and intensity: Fentanyl overdoses occur more rapidly and with greater intensity than other opioids due to its potency.
- Resistance to naloxone: While naloxone (Narcan) is effective for fentanyl overdoses, higher doses or multiple administrations may be needed compared to other opioids.
- Duration of effects: Even after initial revival, a fentanyl overdose victim can slip back into overdose as naloxone wears off before the fentanyl does.
According to the DEA, fentanyl is approximately 50-100 times more potent than morphine, making it significantly more dangerous than traditional opioids. The NIDA DrugFacts resource notes that multiple naloxone doses might be necessary because of fentanyl’s potency, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical intervention.
Responding to a Fentanyl Overdose: What to Do
If you suspect someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, immediate action is critical:
- Call 911 immediately – Fentanyl overdoses require professional medical intervention
- Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available
- Perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained and the person isn’t breathing
- Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) if they’re breathing but unconscious
- Stay with the person until emergency services arrive
Remember that many states have Good Samaritan laws that provide legal protection for those who assist overdose victims.
The CDC’s Overdose Prevention Strategy emphasizes the importance of increasing the availability and access to naloxone as a critical component in preventing overdose deaths. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has highlighted that naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time.
Long-term Effects of Non-Fatal Overdose
Surviving a fentanyl overdose doesn’t mean escaping unscathed. Potential long-term effects include:
- Hypoxic brain injury from oxygen deprivation
- Memory problems and cognitive impairment
- Nerve damage
- Muscle damage from prolonged immobility during overdose
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the traumatic experience
Prevention and Treatment Options
Prevention Strategies
To prevent fentanyl overdose:
- Avoid using drugs from unknown sources
- Test drugs for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips
- Never use drugs alone
- Have naloxone readily available
- Understand the dangers of mixing substances
The CDC and HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy emphasize harm reduction approaches that include distributing fentanyl test strips to detect the presence of fentanyl in drug products and expanding access to naloxone. Research supported by the NIH HEAL Initiative is exploring ways to improve access to evidence-based harm reduction services, which can save lives.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
At Refine Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatment for fentanyl addiction, including:
- Medical detoxification with 24/7 medical supervision
- Residential treatment in our luxury Beverly Hills facility
- Evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
- Holistic healing approaches including health & wellness treatment with sound bath therapy and guided breathwork
- Aftercare planning to support long-term recovery
According to NIDA, medication with behavioral therapies has been shown to be effective in treating people with an addiction to fentanyl and other opioids. Evidence-based treatment approaches, including medications like naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide the most comprehensive support for recovery from fentanyl addiction.
When to Seek Help for Fentanyl Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl use, don’t wait for an overdose to seek help. Warning signs that professional treatment is needed include:
- Using higher doses to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Failed attempts to quit or cut down
- Continuing use despite negative consequences
- Neglecting responsibilities and relationships due to drug use
- Engaging in risky behaviors to obtain or use fentanyl
Recovery Is Possible at Refine Recovery
Fentanyl addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support. At Refine Recovery, our luxury Los Angeles rehab provides evidence-based treatment in a comfortable, private setting that nurtures both body and mind.
Our compassionate team of masters-level clinicians and medical professionals understands the complexities of fentanyl addiction and is dedicated to helping you or your loved one build a foundation for lasting sobriety. We emphasize relapse prevention therapy and life skills development to ensure long-term success.
Understanding the challenges of emotion regulation and the importance of community building in recovery are key components of our approach. We also offer family therapy programs to heal relationships affected by addiction.
Don’t let fentanyl claim another life – reach out today to begin your journey to recovery.
Begin Your Recovery Journey
Take the first step toward lasting sobriety by contacting our team today.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, call 911 immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Related Articles:
- How Much Fentanyl Is Lethal?
- How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
- Understanding Purple Fentanyl
- Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
- Why Refine Recovery
- Our Story
References:
CDC. “Fentanyl | Overdose Prevention.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html
NIDA. “Fentanyl.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/fentanyl
Burns G, DeRienz RT, Baker DD, Casavant M, Spiller HA. “Could chest wall rigidity be a factor in rapid death from illicit fentanyl abuse?” Clinical Toxicology. 2016;54(5):420-423.
ASPE. “Non-Fatal Opioid Overdose and Associated Health Outcomes: Final Summary Report.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/non-fatal-opioid-overdose-associated-health-outcomes-final-summary-report-0
DEA. “Facts about Fentanyl.” Drug Enforcement Administration. https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl
NIDA. “Fentanyl DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
HHS. “Overdose Prevention Strategy.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/overdose-prevention/
SAMHSA. “Harm Reduction.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/harm-reduction
HHS. “Harm Reduction | Overdose Prevention Strategy.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/overdose-prevention/harm-reduction
NIH HEAL Initiative. “Harm Reduction Research Network.” National Institutes of Health. https://heal.nih.gov/research/research-to-practice/harm-reduction-approaches-reduce-overdose-deaths
NIDA. “Treatment and Recovery.” National Institute on Drug Abuse.https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment
