Fentanyl Patch Abuse

Fentanyl Patch Abuse: With the surge of prescription opiate abuse over the past ten years there is no doubt that the Fentanyl patch abuse has made its way to the top of the popularity list. The list of opiate abused prescriptions gets longer and stronger every year. Most people that engage in Fentanyl patch abuse likely started out taking a prescription that was less potent such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, or Dilaudid. Fentanyl, also known as Sublimaze or Actiq, is one of the strongest prescription pain narcotics on the market today. In fact, Fentanyl is dispersed in micrograms and is over 75% stronger than Morphine. It is a Class II scheduled narcotic and while it works very well for pain management; it is also highly addictive.

The early 1990's brought forth the approval of the Fentanyl patch which delivers pain control for 72 hour intervals while releasing doses of the drug periodically. The patch contains a lot of medicine, so much so that it is the top choice of pain management for cancer patients. Those that engage in Fentanyl patch abuse usually tamper with it so that they can get more of the drug much faster. This is extremely dangerous and because the disbursement cannot be regulated and overdose is likely. This is especially true with those who do not have a tolerance to opiates and do not realize the dangers associated with the Fentanyl patch abuse outside of a hospital setting.

The Fentanyl patches are usually stolen from pharmacies or from family members that have had them prescribed.  It is also common for people to obtain them from garbage at hospitals and other various medical facilities. Even though the discarded patches have been used they still contain a good amount of Fentanyl, at least enough to get high on. The active ingredients in the patch are in the form of a gel and people that engage in Fentanyl patch abuse will actually bite holes in the patch itself which allows the release of the gel to then be ingested. The danger here is that the individual will receive a three day dose at one time. Others that engage in Fentanyl patch abuse will smoke, snort or inject the drug. On the streets, Fentanyl patches can cost as much as $40 per patch, depending on the strength. Street names for Fentanyl include China girl, TNT, dance fever, friend, tango and cash, and jackpot.

Fentanayl patch abuse will lead to eventual addiction and need for opiate detox, which is very similar to other opiate addictions such as Heroin, Methadone, and Morphine so the withdrawal is also similar. Opiates, including Fentanayl, change the way that the brain functions and handles pain as well as emotion. This is how the drug works to cause a physical dependence. The side effects that are associated with Fentanyl patch abuse are similar to other opiates including sedation, tiredness, confusion, tolerance, unconsciousness and even coma or respiratory arrest. People that suffer from Fentanyl patch abuse and Fentanyl addiction are in need of inpatient detox and treatment in order to understand opiates.

If you or someone that you care about has fallen prey to the dark world of Fentanyl patch abuse then please understand that help is available. The negative consequences have likely spiraled out of control and it is time for help, it is the only hope. Fentanyl will and does cause death by slowing down the respiratory system so much that it induces a coma and then death for even the most seasoned drug abusers. The first step is admitting that you want and need help and then you can be led to a safe, private, and comfortable detox. The main fear for those that suffer from Fentanyl patch abuse is getting sick but in medically supervised opiate detox that should never be a concern. Genesis House doctors are staffed to make this process quite comfortable. After detox, admission into Genesis House paves the way to sobriety and living a life that is fruitful and productive.

We understand that no one woke up one day and decided to become an addict. Now the problem is out of control and help is necessary to combat it. Drug addiction, especially Fentanyl patch abuse, cannot be handled alone. The problem is much too big. Addiction is devastating, it kills relationships, crushes finances, and ruins lives. The time to act is now so won't you allow us to help you overcome this battle of addiction? We are here for you, all you have to do is call.

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net