In the United States, nearly 92,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2020. This number has been increasing every year for the past few years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse. In response to this epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has undertaken four campaigns to help prevent overdose deaths. These campaigns provide information about the dangers of fentanyl, risks of polysubstance use, reversing opioid overdose with naloxone, and stigma education. Each campaign is packed with information that can help save lives!
1. Know the Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. It is odorless, tasteless, and impossible to see. Due to its potency, fentanyl presents a serious danger to those using drugs. Just 2mg of fentanyl can be a lethal dose – the equivalent of a few grains of salt. Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed with fentanyl, but even then, it is difficult to know how much fentanyl is present. Knowing the dangers of fentanyl and ways to protect oneself can help prevent drug overdose death.
How Fentanyl Works
Fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in the brain and spinal cord. When these receptors are activated, they produce a feeling of well-being and pain relief. However, because fentanyl is so potent, it can cause respiratory depression – meaning that breathing slows down or stops altogether. This can lead to an overdose and death.
Fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs without the user knowing it, which makes it even more dangerous. For example, heroin can be cut with fentanyl without the user knowing, and as a result, they may unknowingly take a much higher dosage than they intended. This could lead to an overdose. In addition, because fentanyl is so potent, users may think they need to take more of the drug in order to get the same effect, which also increases the risk of overdose.
Ways to Protect Yourself
There are some things you can do to protect yourself from fentanyl. If you are using drugs, always start with a small amount first to gauge the strength of the drug. In addition, use safe injection practices such as using new needles and not sharing needles with others. If you suspect that drugs have been cut with fentanyl, do not use them. Finally, know the signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone if necessary.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that poses a serious danger to those using drugs. Just 2mg of fentanyl can be a lethal dose – the equivalent of a few grains of salt. Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed with fentanyl but even then it is difficult to know how much fentanyl is present. Knowing the dangers of fentanyl and ways to protect oneself or others can help prevent drug overdose death.
2. Facts of Mixing Drugs, Polysubstance Use
Polysubstance use is the use of more than one drug at the same time or within a short period of time. People might think they can control their use or that they know how their bodies will react, but mixing drugs is never safe. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and polysubstance use is a major contributor to overdose deaths. It’s important to understand the risks of polysubstance use and why you should never mix drugs.
Risks of Polysubstance Use
Polysubstance use is dangerous because the effects of combining drugs may be stronger and more unpredictable than one drug alone. People who use drugs might not be aware of other substances in their drugs or how those substances will interact with each other. The combination could alter the effects of both drugs and lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Drugs affect the brain in different ways, depending on their chemical structure. Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter. This similarity allows these drugs to fool receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal messages through the entire system.” When two or more drugs mimic neurotransmitters, they can have a synergistic effect—meaning the combined effect is greater than the sum of its parts. This can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening consequences.
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, surpassing car accidents for the first time ever in 2014. And polysubstance use plays a major role in these overdose deaths; according to NIDA, “About three-quarters (76%) of all people who died from drug overdoses in 2017 involved an opioid.” Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription pain relievers like OxyContin and Vicodin as well as illegal drugs like heroin—all of which are highly addictive and potentially lethal. Mixing opioids with other substances only increases the risk of accidental overdose and death.
Whether polysubstance use is intentional or unintentional, it’s never safe because mixing drugs is always risky. The effects of combining substances can be stronger and more unpredictable than one drug alone—and even deadly. With drug overdoses now being the leading cause of accidental death in America, it’s more important than ever to understand the risks associated with polysubstance use and why you should never mix drugs.
3. The Life-Saving Power of Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. It’s easy to use, convenient to carry, and an effective way to reduce harm. Naloxone is available in all 50 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., often without a prescription. Carrying naloxone can help a bystander provide life-saving and timely assistance for a person who has overdosed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 130 people in the United States die every day from opioid overdose. Six out of 10 of those deaths involve a prescription or illicit opioid. And while the number of overdose deaths from opioids has been increasing steadily over the past two decades, the rate of increase has accelerated in recent years. In 2020, more than 92,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids—a record number.
The good news is that naloxone can save lives. Naloxone is a safe and easy-to-use medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in someone who is addicted to or dependent on opioids—which means it has the potential to save thousands of lives every year. And while naloxone is most commonly associated with first responders and emergency medical personnel, it’s now available without a prescription in most states—which means that anyone can get it and use it to save a life.
Here’s how it works: Naloxone attaches to the same parts of the brain as opioids like heroin and fentanyl, but it doesn’t produce the same high. So if someone who is addicted to opioids takes too much of the drug and begins to overdose, naloxone can be used to quickly Reverse the effects of the overdose and restore breathing within minutes. Naloxone is usually given as an injection or nasal spray, but it can also be given as a hand-held auto-injector for those who are not trained medical personnel.
Naloxone does have some side effects—including nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, headache, dizziness, and increased heart rate—but these side effects are temporary and much less serious than death. And because naloxone only works if someone has taken opioids recently (within the past few hours), there’s no risk of addiction or overdose from using the medication itself.
Naloxone is a safe medication with very few side effects that can save thousands of lives every year by reversing an opioid overdose. It’s now available without a prescription in all 50 states—which means that anyone can get it and use it to save a life. So if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, make sure you have naloxone on hand—it could mean the difference between life and death.
4. Supporting People Who Use Drugs
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a diagnosable illness. However, stigma toward people who use drugs can be a barrier to treatment and recovery. It is important to reduce stigma around SUDs, break down barriers to treatment, provide individuals with information about treatment options, and support those who may be considering or are currently in recovery.
What is Stigma?
Stigma is a negative judgment or belief about someone based on their association with a particular group, event, or circumstances. In the case of substance use disorders, stigma may cause people to see those with SUDs as weak, immoral, or dirty. This can lead to discrimination in housing, employment, and social situations. It can also make it harder for people to access treatment and support services.
The Consequences of Stigma
Stigma can have serious consequences for people with SUDs. It can make it harder for them to get help, as they may be afraid of being judged or misunderstood. Stigma can also prevent people from seeking out needed medical care and social services. Furthermore, stigma can lead to poor mental health and an increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Finally, stigma increases the risk of criminal justice involvement and reduces the likelihood of successful reentry into society following incarceration.
Reducing Stigma
There are many ways to reduce the stigma around substance use disorders. One way is through education and awareness campaigns that focus on the facts about SUDs. These campaigns can help dispel myths and stereotypes about people who use drugs. Another way to reduce stigma is by talking openly about SUDs and destigmatizing language used to describe people who use drugs. Finally, it is important to provide accurate information about SUDs and effective treatments so that people can make informed decisions about their care.
Substance use disorders are treatable illnesses that should not be stigmatized. Unfortunately, stigma toward people who use drugs is a barrier to treatment and recovery. It is important to reduce the stigma around SUDs so that more people can get the help they need. One way to do this is through education and awareness campaigns that focus on the facts about SUDs. Another way to reduce stigma is by using destigmatizing language when talking about substance use disorders. Finally, it is important to provide accurate information about SUDs and effective treatments so that people can make informed decisions about their care.
Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Chester County
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. The good news is that there are many resources available in Chester County to help those struggling with addiction.
Medical Emergency
In case of a medical emergency related to drug or alcohol use, it’s important to call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room:
Veterans Administration
If the person has Veteran’s benefits, they can call the Veteran’s Administration for help:
- Coatesville VA 610-384-7711,
- Philadelphia VA 800-949-1001,
- Wilkes Barre VA 570-824-3521, or
- Lebanon VA 717-272-6621.
No Insurance Coverage?
Drug and alcohol treatment is available in Chester County regardless of insurance. Accessing the services will be dependent upon individual coverage. If an individual does not have insurance, or has insurance without behavioral health coverage, they can call one of the following agencies which are closest to them, for help (first step is an assessment).
- Gaudenzia (West Chester): 610-429-1414
- Gaudenzia (Coatesville): 610- 383-9600
- Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems (Kennett Square): 610-388-9225
- Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems (Phoenixville): 610-935-2290
- Mirmont Outpatient (Exton): 484-565-1130
If an individual does have insurance, including Medicaid, contacting the number on the back of their insurance card is the best way to be directed to a treatment provider. The provider will be able to help the individual get the care and treatment needed. Many times, providers will have a sliding scale fee system in place or may be able to provide other financial assistance options. Treatment is important and there are options available, regardless of insurance status.
There are many resources available in Chester County to help those struggling with addiction. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to one of the organizations listed above. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires professional help to overcome. With the right support, recovery is possible.
We All Can Play a Role in Saving Lives
We can all help to prevent overdoses. Visit cdc.gov/stopoverdose to learn more or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) if you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder. Share this information on social media to help spread the word about how we can work together to save lives from overdose. And remember to sign up for our free newsletter for local news and information.
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