Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine, however, it is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a schedule II prescription drug that is typically used to treat severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. It may also be used to treat patients with chronic pain who may have developed a tolerance to other opioids. Brand names for fentanyl include Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®. Street names for fentanyl or for fentanyl-laced heroin include Apache, Dance Fever, China Girl, China White, Friend, Murder 8, TNT, Goodfella, Jackpot, Tango and Cash.
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Drug Test For Fentanyl – Testing Locations Throughout The United States
In this blog post, we will discuss:
How do people use fentanyl?
Fentanyl is often administered via injection, transdermal patch, or in lozenges. However, the fentanyl and fentanyl analogs associated with recent overdoses are typically produced illegally. This non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids. People can swallow, snort, or inject fentanyl, or they can put blotter paper in their mouths so that fentanyl is absorbed through the mucous membrane.
What are the effects of fentanyl on the brain?
Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. When opioid drugs bind to these receptors, they can drive up dopamine levels in the brain’s reward areas, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation. Fentanyl’s effects resemble those of heroin and include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death.
In terms of the brain, fentanyl can disrupt the brain’s natural production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. This can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Long-term use of fentanyl can also cause changes in the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for individuals to feel pleasure from activities that they once enjoyed.
On the body, fentanyl can cause a range of side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, constipation, and respiratory depression. In cases of overdose, fentanyl can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention.
It’s important to note that fentanyl should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider and as prescribed. Misuse of fentanyl can have serious consequences for both the brain and body.
What are the Short Term and Long Term Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl abuse can have both short-term and long-term effects on the body and brain. In the short term, fentanyl abuse can cause drowsiness, confusion, constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression. It can also lead to overdose, which can be fatal.
Long-term effects of fentanyl abuse can include tolerance, dependence, addiction, and changes in brain chemistry. Chronic use of fentanyl can also lead to physical health problems such as respiratory issues, heart problems, and liver damage. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl abuse.
Workplace Abuse of Fentanyl
Employees using fentanyl will certainly cause problems in the workplace. These employees will not be productive and may cause accidents. It is important to remember that the standard 5 or 10 panel drug test are not detecting fentanyl. Employers should talk to their drug testing providers about adding fentanyl as a drug test be tested in the employer drug free workplace program.
Employer drug testing programs can save money and save lives. With over 70 million people in the United States using illicit drugs, employers should look to prevention by implementing a comprehensive drug free workplace program to include testing tor this drug – fentanyl that is now rampant in our society. Custom drug testing policies can be developed for employers. Call for assistance at 866-843-4545 or Contact Us.
Employers Testing for Fentanyl
An increased number of employers are now considering adding fentanyl to their drug testing panel. Employers may choose to test for fentanyl as part of their drug testing protocols. Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can cause impairment and safety risks in the workplace. Some employers may include fentanyl testing in their drug testing panels to ensure a safe work environment for all employees. It is important for employers to follow legal guidelines and regulations when implementing drug testing policies, including testing for fentanyl. Testing for fentanyl is not currently allowed for DOT drug testing.
Fentanyl - Key Points to Remember
- Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
- Non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids.
- Fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Its effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death.
- The high potency of fentanyl greatly increases risk of overdose, especially if a person who uses drugs is unaware that a powder or pill contains fentanyl
Fentanyl use in the United States continues to be on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been increasing significantly. More than 106,000 persons in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdose in 2021, including illicit drugs like fentanyl and prescription opioids. This trend has continued to worsen, with fentanyl being one of the leading causes of drug overdose deaths in the country. Law enforcement agencies have also reported an increase in the availability of fentanyl on the streets, leading to more cases of overdose and addiction. It is important for individuals to be aware of the dangers of fentanyl and seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.
Anyone using illicit drugs must be very careful, one dose of fentanyl can kill. Certain individuals involved in the drug trade are combining fentanyl with various substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. The reason behind this practice is the minimal amount of fentanyl needed to achieve a high, making it a cost-effective choice. This poses a significant danger, particularly when drug users are unaware of the presence of fentanyl as an inexpensive yet hazardous additive. In such cases, they may unknowingly consume more potent opioids than their systems can handle, increasing the risk of overdose.
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Drug Test For Fentanyl – Testing Locations Throughout The United States
