Rehab Centers in Delaware Face New Dangerous Opioid Trend
A synthetic opioid normally used to tranquilize elephants and large animals has led to an increase in drug overdoses throughout the Midwest, and is now making its way east to Delaware. This drug, known as carfentanil, is 100 times more potent than fentanyl — another synthetic opioid known to be 50 times more potent than heroin. If this dangerous drug trend spreads eastward, rehab centers in Delaware could face an uptick in new patients addicted to carfentanil.
In recent years, illegal drug traffickers have started to substitute or mix fentanyl and carfentanil with heroin and other opioids. Sometimes, carfentanil is being pressed into pills that look like other drugs, and users have no idea that they’re buying this deadly, potent substance. As a result, people are overdosing on carfentanil, thinking the drug is heroin or another opioid.
If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin and another opioid drug, get help now before it’s too late. Call our helpline at 888-414-2380 for more information about rehab centers in Delaware that can help you achieve sobriety.
The Dangers of Carfentanil
Carfentanil is so potent that the drug can harm anyone who touches or inhales the substance. First responders and medical personnel are required to wear protective gloves and masks at all times when treating individuals who overdose on carfentanil. Protective gear helps prevent third parties from coming into direct contact with this dangerous substance.
Carfentanil produces a euphoric high that can last for up to several hours longer than most other opioids. The human body spends hours metabolizing the drug, which means it can be difficult to revive someone who has overdosed on carfentanil. Not even naloxone — the emergency medication commonly used to block the effects of opioids — is 100% effective at saving the life of individuals who overdose on carfentanil.
The DEA says most carfentanil sold on the streets is being illegally imported from China, and can even be purchased online directly from China. Some carfentanil is even being brought in by Mexican drug traffickers.
Drug Rehab Centers in Delaware Need Extra Funds to Combat Addiction
Treating Opioid Addiction at Rehab
Many rehab centers in Delaware specialize in treating addiction to heroin and opioid drugs. The journey from opioid addiction to sobriety may be long and difficult for some, but is entirely achievable. Treatment for opioid addiction often involves a combination of detoxification, counseling, education, and aftercare.
Patients who check in at opioid rehab centers initially undergo diagnostic tests that help determine the stage of addiction. Physicians and medical staff can then tailor treatments accordingly based on the individual’s needs and addiction level. After check-in, patients begin the detox phase to remove all traces of opioid drugs from the body, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Many opioid rehab centers use a medication-assisted approach to detox and rehab to help minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients. Synthetic opioid medications such as methadone and buprenorphine can offer patients relief by mimicking the physical effects of other opioids without producing the same euphoric high.
If you live in Delaware and use illicit opioid drugs, get help now to lower your risk of coming into contact with carfentanil, or of overdosing. Call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to receive more information about rehab centers in Delaware that can help you overcome your addiction and achieve sobriety. Don’t allow addiction and substance abuse to take over your life — instead, take your life back with help from an opioid rehab center.