Cocaine and fentanyl are two of the most easily recognized names of illicitly used drugs. In recent years, it has become common for substances to be laced together. Our Banyan Lake Worth Rehab takes a closer look at these two substances and the potential dangers when they cross paths and become fentanyl-laced cocaine.
Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine usage in the United States has been an ongoing problem since the late 1800s. It is commonly used by snorting a crushed-up powder of the substance. The short-term effects can include feelings of euphoria, hypersensitivity to one’s surroundings, and extreme bursts of energy.
Long-term use of the drug can result in a disturbed heart rate, neurological damage, abdominal pain, and death. It is a fully illegal hard drug, outlawed by the Opium Law of 1928.
Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl usage has grown in both popularity and infamy within the past decade. It is a manufactured opioid that is said to be 50 times stronger than heroin. While it can be prescribed as a pharmaceutical for severe pain, most instances of overdose result from illegally made fentanyl.
Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
- Choking sounds
- Loss of consciousness
- Skin discoloration
- Weak breathing
- Clamminess
Fentanyl abuse can have extremely damaging effects on the user’s health. Fentanyl is much stronger compared to similar substances, which results in the body’s natural receptors of pleasure being tampered with, resulting in a high likelihood of addiction. This knowledge is often abused by dealers with dangerous intentions.
Cocaine Laced With Fentanyl
Recent years have shown a spike in instances of fentanyl-laced cocaine. It is a dangerous phenomenon that continues to be utilized by drug dealers to this day. Due to the popularity of cocaine use amongst Americans, it makes sense that it is likely to end up being laced with an additional substance like fentanyl.
Why Is Cocaine Laced with Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is infamous for its intense potency and likelihood of addiction. In turn, drug dealers began to lace it with substances like cocaine to heighten that possibility in their customers. Fentanyl’s presence in drugs like cocaine makes the result cheaper and stronger, putting more control into the hands of dealers and, in turn, more money in their pockets.
It is a crystal-clear example of how dangerous and manipulative the world of illicit drugs can be. Why an initial addiction forms is a personal part of each addict’s journey, but the risks exponentially rise when they purchase their drug of choice illegally.
If you or a loved one is in need of a safe environment to begin the withdrawal process, our BHOPB detox offers a specialized program for cocaine users.
Help for Cocaine and Fentanyl Addiction
Subjecting oneself to the dangers of illicit drugs highly increases the likelihood of getting substances that have been laced. Cocaine is one of the most popular drugs in America, with fentanyl becoming an even more common added ingredient.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, contact Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches. Here we can provide an excellent option for addiction treatment in Lake Worth.
Visit our website or call 561-220-3981 for more information.
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