Carfentanil is popularly sold mixed in heroin to increase its potency. However, because of its high potency, Carfentanil happens to be incredibly dangerous to the human body and mind. Not only can it lead to physical and psychological addiction, but it can also easily cause an overdose to happen. The majority of the cases, however, end up with death. If you are interested in learning more about this common issue of Carfentanil overdose and how to avoid it, we encourage you to keep on reading what we have to say on the matter.
Can you overdose on Carfentanil?
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid analgesic, one that is not commonly used because of its high potency. Supposably, Carfentanil is 10,000 more potent than morphine and about 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It is said that Carfentanil is analog to the popular opioid fentanyl. Carfentanil was first synthesized in the year of 1974. It was designed to serve as an animal tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants. It was quickly discovered that a small dose of as much as 10 mg Carfentanil is more than enough to sedate any large animal.
Knowing this, Carfentanil was never intended for human use. Still, it is not uncommon for people to abuse Carfentanil. Unfortunately, Carfentanil abuse is often listed as a cause of death. This opioid is commonly sold on the streets. Most often, we see it being mixed with heroin, fentanyl, and/or prescription pills. Perhaps you have heard about the popular cocktail called “gray death,” which is a combination of Carfentanil, heroin, fentanyl, and other popular opioids.
It is more common for Carfentanil to be unintentionally ingested along with the opioids and recreational drugs that we mentioned before, thus causing death. Most users are not even aware of what they are ingesting before it is too late. It is not uncommon for mixtures of heroin and Carfentanil to be sold together. And since Carfentanil is white in color and odorless, it is almost impossible for you to notice the difference.
The symptoms of Carfentanil addiction are similar to those caused by an addiction to other opioids. As your body adjusts to the presence of Carfentanil over time, it starts to build up a tolerance against it. In return, you start craving much larger doses of Carfentanil in order to achieve the desired effects. Speaking of addiction, what is interesting to learn is that, although it can cause physical and psychological addiction, it rarely does. Before the individual even has the chance to become addicted to Carfentanil; usually, death happens.
Carfentanil side-effects
One of the most dangerous side-effects of Carfentanil abuse is death. Those who abuse Carfentanil and survive will probably experience at least one of the following side-effects.
- Nausea;
- Drowsiness;
- Restlessness;
- Agitation;
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Confusion;
- Itching;
- Excessive sweating;
- Runny nose;
- Muscle and joint aches;
- Lack of concentration, etc.
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Carfentanil overdose symptoms
Now that you understand how serious a Carfentanil overdose can be, it is essential to know the common overdose symptoms. Often, people under the influence of Carfentanil are not aware that they are experiencing an overdose. An overdose happens whenever one takes too high of a dose of a prescription or a non-prescription drug; in this case, that happens to be Carfentanil. Depending on the drug, the overdose symptoms can significantly vary. In the following, we will share some general overdose symptoms.
- Severe chest pain;
- Seizures;
- Breathing problems;
- Irregular heartbeat;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Severe headaches, etc.
How much Carfentanil does it take to overdose?
With Carfentanil being as potent and powerful as it is, all that it takes is a small dose for an overdose to happen. Experts suggest that even a 2-milligram dose can cause the well-known signs of Carfentanil overdose.
Get help for Carfentanil addiction today.
With Carfentanil being as dangerous and life-threatening as it is, the key is to ask for proper medical help as soon as you notice the first addiction signs. Getting professional help can potentially save your life. The best way to do that is by contacting a quality treatment center. Usually, the treatment for Carfentanil addiction is organized around two programs. Before you take part in any treatment whatsoever, detoxification is a must. The process of detoxification will help free your body from any left drugs in your system.
- Inpatient treatment program – An inpatient treatment program is recommended for the most acute cases of addiction. At the beginning of the treatment, you will need all the help and support that you can get, which is exactly what an inpatient treatment program has to offer. Throughout the program, you are required to live on the grounds of the treatment center. During the day, you will take part in individual and group therapy sessions, as needed.
- Outpatient treatment program – Patients who have completed their inpatient treatment program will be enrolled in an outpatient treatment program next. Opposite to what an inpatient program represents, the outpatient treatment program does not require you to live on the grounds of the treatment center. Instead, you are free to continue with your school/work arraignments as long as you continue attending individual and/or group therapy sessions, as required.
The good news is that there are many quality treatment centers scattered all around the country. One of the best ways to find a treatment center near you is by calling us at California Addiction Help today. We can help you find the perfect treatment location for you or your loved one.