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The Fentanyl Crisis
The More You Know
The Beyond Fentanyl Project is a new web based focused initiative dedicated to raising awareness and prevention around the dangers of fentanyl and the counterfeit opiates/illicit veterinary drugs that are added to it.
Overdose deaths that involve the co-use of fentanyl and stimulants, like cocaine or methamphetamine, have been on the rise
The Beyond Fentanyl Project is a new web based focused initiative dedicated to raising awareness and prevention around the dangers of fentanyl and the counterfeit opiates/illicit veterinary drugs that are added to it.
Overdose deaths that involve the co-use of fentanyl and stimulants, like cocaine or methamphetamine, have been on the rise in the US. The intentional combination of stimulants and opioids... a practice sometimes referred to as “speedballing” or “goofballing”, may take place as a means of enhancing one or both of the substances.
The risk of overdose from fentanyl alone is very high, but research has shown that mixing fentanyl with other substances, such as stimulants, other opioids, benzos, or alcohol, can increase the risk of overdose and death.
*Have you lost a loved one to an overdose and are seeking support? The Lifeline for Loss overdose support group is facilitated by a licensed therapist and provides support for individuals recovering from loss due to addiction or an overdose. Click the link below*
Fentanyl is Killing Kids and Destroying Families
But What If I Would Have Said Something?
Losing someone to a drug overdose brings a profound, complicated type of grief. It is often heavier than other losses because it involves the stigma of addiction, feelings of guilt, and unresolved trauma.
Societal judgments can make it difficult to mourn openly, leaving loved ones to grieve in silence and isolation. Sadly, this isolation often continues from reluctance to talk about the addiction.
Survivors often struggle with the "what ifs," carrying the heavy guilt that they could have prevented the death or noticed warning signs sooner. Because of the sudden and traumatic nature of the loss, survivors are at a significantly higher risk for anxiety, depression, and prolonged grief compared to other types of bereavement.
Naloxone (Narcan) Can and Will Save Lives
Want to attend a FREE LOCAL REVIVE! TRAINING? Email from the link below and get registered for training class right here in Danville City and Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
-Send Me More Info on Trainings-
REVIVE! is Virginia's statewide Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program, designed to teach community members how to recognize and respond to opioid emergencies using naloxone (Narcan). The program is completely free, and participants who complete the training typically receive two doses of naloxone nasal spray.
What is Xylazine (aka Tranq-Dope)
Xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," is a non-opioid sedative, pain reliever, and muscle relaxant approved by the FDA strictly for veterinary use.
It is not authorized for human use but has increasingly appeared in the illicit drug supply as a cheap additive.
Xylazine is rarely used on its own. It is typically mixed with illicit opioids—most frequently fentanyl. Some drug users seek it out because it extends the euphoric effects of fentanyl, but many ingest it unknowingly.
It is notoriously associated with severe, necrotic skin ulcers, abscesses, and infections. These wounds can form on any part of the body, even far away from the actual injection site, and can lead to tissue death.
Fentanyl- Withdrawal, Treatment, & Rehabilitation
Withdrawal is Painful! Medication is Available! Recovery is Possible!
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be simply mental health medication for underlying depression, anxiety, or any other condition that increase risk for relapse. There is also MOUD - Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. These are FDA-approved medications that combined with counseling, peer support, and recovery services can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and increase successful recovery.
- Methadone
Full opioid agonist
Dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs
Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Buprenorphine
Partial opioid agonist
Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Often prescribed in office-based settings
- Suboxone
Combination of buprenorphine and naloxone
One of the most commonly used MAT medications
- Sublocade
Monthly injectable buprenorphine
- Brixadi
Weekly or monthly injectable buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Opioid antagonist
Blocks the effects of opioids
Requires detoxification before starting
- Vivitrol
Monthly injectable naltrexone
Withdrawal is Physical AND Mental
Withdrawal symptoms peak 3 - 5 days after last use and may last for a weeks to months! These symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Muscle Spasms
- Cold chills
- Unable to sleep
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Head & body aches
Low mood & cravings for the drug may last for months to a year or more.
Withdrawal is painful, if you ask someone addicted to fentanyl why they won't quit, they often answer "because I don't want to get sick."