Local Rehab Releases Blog on Fentanyl Overdose

Beckley, WV – Hope for Tomorrow, a local addiction recovery center, covered fentanyl overdose in a recent blog. It opens by reminding the reader of the dangers of the opioid epidemic: “In 2021, about 80,000 Americans died due to an opioid overdose,” the blog shares. The blog also mentions that it’s normal to worry about an opioid overdose for someone using the substance and that it is a sign of love. They put a more positive spin on the dire statistics, saying, “Thankfully, fentanyl overdose is 100% preventable. Treatment for people with fentanyl use disorder is the number one line of defense, but there are more things everyone can do to intervene in the event of an overdose.”

“While fentanyl impacts part of the brain responsible for pain, pleasure, and reward, bringing about euphoria and pain relief, it also impacts part of the brain responsible for breathing. It slows breathing down, so if your brain is overwhelmed by fentanyl, your breathing can slow to dangerous, and even lethal, levels. This is how people overdose on the substance,” the article informs the reader. Indeed, fentanyl is easier to overdose on than any other substance, as the equivalent of about six grains of salt is usually enough to overdose, according to the blog. It also explains that the amount needed to overdose depends on each individual and their body composition. No set amount will cause an overdose.

“Unfortunately, because fentanyl is mixed into the supply of so many other substances, it isn’t just people intentionally using fentanyl who are at risk of overdosing from it,” Hope for Tomorrow says. Fentanyl is often mixed into the supply of other substances to make it last longer, and this increases the chance of overdose significantly. Having a fentanyl use disorder also increases the chance of overdose, the blog says. “This is especially true when someone with a fentanyl use disorder tries to stop using it suddenly, and experiences fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. If they return to fentanyl, they can easily overestimate how much their body can handle, and overdose,” the article warns.

The blog then shares important facts: the signs of an overdose. These signs include losing consciousness, breathing complications, unresponsiveness, bluish or grayish skin, gurgling sounds, limp body, blue or purplish fingernails, and slow pulse. The article implores the audience to seek medical help if they suspect an overdose whatsoever, with the assurance that Good Samaritan Laws will protect anyone seeking help from legal trouble. Naloxone, an over-the-counter nasal spray, is also a game-changer when it comes to overdose, the article says.

“Talking about fentanyl overdose is scary, especially if you know someone with a fentanyl use disorder, but it’s important. Knowing this information can save lives. More than that, it might be the last push you need to seek help for fentanyl use disorder – whether it’s your own or a loved one’s,” the blog closes. It urges people with fentanyl use disorder to seek help.
Hope for Tomorrow is an addiction recovery center that welcomes everyone. Pregnant women, couples, veterans, and people with pre-existing medical conditions can find care there where they otherwise might not. Hope for Tomorrow’s staff are passionate about helping everyone in need, no matter what stage of their life they’re in, and no matter the impact substances have had on them. They also offer dual diagnosis treatment. Contact them via their website or by phone at 877-679-8162.