Opioids, Fentyanl
and Prescription Drugs
Utilizing medications without proper medical supervision can be hazardous. Across the nation, counterfeit drugs are resulting in fatal overdoses regardless of age.
Commonly Abused
Prescription Drugs Include:
Opioid Pain Relievers
(e.g., OxyContin, Vicodin)
Depressants
(e.g., Xanax, Valium)
Stimulants
(e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)
What You
Need to Know
Studies indicate that 80% of individuals who eventually turn to heroin initially misuse prescription drugs.
What are Opioids:
Opioids encompass both heroin and potent pain-relieving medications legally accessible through prescriptions, such as OxyContin®, Vicodin®, and others. Even when used as directed, prolonged use can lead to dependency and, when misused, potentially fatal overdoses. Extended use of prescription opioids can lead to tolerance, necessitating increased doses for desired effects.
Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction:
-
Intense cravings for opioids
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Inability to control or reduce opioid intake
-
Development of tolerance
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Experience of withdrawal symptoms upon reduction or cessation of use
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Difficulty meeting social or work obligations
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Legal consequences due to substance use
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Significant time spent acquiring opioids
Fentanyl Facts:
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is contributing to unintended overdoses and fatalities nationwide. In 2021, fentanyl claimed more lives than incidents involving firearms and automobiles combined. Illicitly produced fentanyl is often mixed with other substances to increase potency and is distributed as powders or nasal sprays. Furthermore, counterfeit pills resembling legitimate prescription
Lethal dose of fentanyl
drugs are increasingly laced with fentanyl. Shockingly, seven out of ten counterfeit pills tested for fentanyl contain a lethal dose.
Counterfeit Pill Awareness:
Counterfeit pills are adding to the rise in overdose deaths nationwide, affecting individuals of all ages. If medication hasn't been obtained from a legitimate retail pharmacy and isn't specifically prescribed for an individual, its safety cannot be guaranteed. Remember: It only takes one pill! The consequences of consuming fake pills can be deadly.
Xylazine: An Emerging Concern
Xylazine is a veterinary medication primarily used as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic (pain reliever) for animals. It is not approved for human use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. However, it has gained attention in recent years due to its illicit use as a cutting agent in street drugs, particularly opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
When xylazine is mixed with opioids, it can enhance the effects of the opioid, potentially increasing the potency of the drug and its risk of overdose. Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone does not reverse the overdose, however it is recommended to always use naloxone anyway if you encounter an overdose.
According to the DEA, In 2022, approximately 23% of seized fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills contained xylazine.
Resources
Use this website to find facilities and providers who are actively taking new clients. They work with hundreds of mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, naloxone, and recovery housing organizations in Kentucky to bring you up-to-date and accurate information and available openings.
