Carfentanil abuse and addiction can lead to a high-risk of opioid overdose, trouble breathing, worsening mental health, and severe opioid withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Carfentanil is an analog, or another version of, the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl. Carfentanil is not an approved prescription drug for human use. Some reports suggest carfentanil is more than 100 times deadlier than fentanyl.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid abuse, carfentanil may be mixed into your drugs without you knowing. An opioid addiction treatment program can help you stop taking carfentanil and reduce your risk of overdose.
Side Effects Of Carfentanil Addiction
Carfentanil addiction can cause side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- sedation
- weak pulse
- fatigue
- low blood pressure
- difficulty concentrating at school or work
Carfentanil can have serious side effects, as it’s only approved as a tranquilizer for large animals. Carfentanil may not be approved for use in humans. If you abuse synthetic opioids such as fentanyl or carfentanil to get high, your health may be at risk.
Risks Of Carfentanil Addiction
Carfentanil addiction can be caused by carfentanil use over a long period of time. Addiction to synthetic opioids such as carfentanil can be dangerous to your health.
Carfentanil can be mixed into illicit drugs such as opiates and amphetamines.
You can get addicted to carfentanil even if you are unaware you are taking carfentanil. If you are already addicted to opioids, you may look for higher doses of opioids to get high, which can increase your risk of taking carfentanil.
Risk factors for carfentanil addiction may also include a family history of substance abuse and poor mental health.
Carfentanil Overdose
Carfentanil overdose can happen if you take enough carfentanil for your body to stop working properly. The amount of carfentanil that can cause an overdose may be less than 1 milligram.
Signs of a drug overdose involving carfentanil may include:
- sedation
- respiratory depression (trouble breathing)
- weak pulse
- loss of consciousness
If you see the signs of an opioid overdose in a loved one, you can give them naloxone. Naloxone can restore breathing and stabilize an opioid overdose victim before they get medical attention. You can get naloxone from local or national harm reduction programs.
Serious Health Problems
Carfentanil addiction is likely linked to long-term opioid use. Taking opioids for more than a month can increase your risk of heart problems, stroke, hormone imbalance, and other serious health problems.
These effects may worsen if you are addicted to carfentanil due to the drug’s potency.
Carfentanil Addiction Treatment Options
Treating carfentanil addiction likely involves cognitive behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment. These treatment options can help you stop taking carfentanil and improve your chances of staying sober in the long-term.
According to law enforcement reports, carfentanil is less publicly available in the United States as of 2023 compared to previous years. However, the potency of the drug continues to be a public health problem.
Find Treatment For Addiction In Massachusetts
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid drug cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or mental health problems, our opioid treatment center can help.
Contact Bedrock Recovery Center today to find out if our opioid addiction treatment options such as medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health services, and aftercare planning will work for you or your loved one.
- Annals of Internal Medicine https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/m14-2559
- Workshop Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2016/09/22/dea-issues-carfentanil-warning-police-and-public
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
- National Public Radio (NPR) https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/09/02/492108992/an-even-deadlier-opioid-carfentanil-is-hitting-the-streets
