Acetyl Fentanyl: Understanding the Potent New Danger Drug
Acetyl fentanyl is a potent new danger drug that has been linked to a number of overdose deaths. Although it is similar to the more well-known drug fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl is much more powerful and can be deadly even in small doses. Since acetyl fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, people generally do not realize that they are ingesting this drug.
Acetyl fentanyl is often sold as a "designer drug" or "research chemical," and it is frequently used by people who are looking for a more intense high. Unfortunately, this potent drug can also be very dangerous, and it is important for people to be aware of the risks associated with acetyl fentanyl use.
Although acetyl fentanyl is not yet as well-known as other drugs, it has the potential to cause serious harm and even death. If you or someone you know is using acetyl fentanyl, it is important to get help right away.
Where Does Acetyl Fentanyl Come from?
You may be familiar with the prescription opioid called fentanyl, which healthcare providers prescribe to treat chronic pain. As the number of drug overdose deaths is increasing in some areas of America, officials are finding that many of these deaths are related to acetyl fentanyl, which is the street drug that is often sold as heroin. However, acetyl fentanyl is estimated to be 5-15 times more potent than heroin, and its potency and toxicity make it a significant public health concern.
Fentanyl vs. Acetyl Fentanyl
Acetyl Fentanyl is a “designer drug,” meaning it is the synthetic version of a controlled substance. Designer drugs have a different molecular structure than prescription drugs, which allows people to transport and sell them while circumventing the laws surrounding controlled substances.
This drug was first detected in 1976 in the postmortem blood specimens of two fatal overdoses in Scotland, and has since been detected in a number of other fatalities worldwide.
The clinical effects of acetyl fentanyl are similar to those of other opioids, including analgesia, euphoria, altered mood, miosis, drowsiness, and cough suppression. However, acetyl fentanyl also has the potential to cause more severe toxicity, including nausea, itching, dizziness, or altered mental status. In high doses, acetyl fentanyl can cause respiratory depression and death. Therefore, it is important for individuals who use opioids to be aware of the dangers of acetyl fentanyl and take measures to avoid using this potentially dangerous drug.
How Do People Ingest Acetyl Fentanyl?
It is typically sold as a white powder that can be snorted, injected, or taken orally. Acetyl fentanyl is much more potent than fentanyl, and it can be deadly even in small doses. The risk of overdose is further increased when acetyl fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. In this case, people may not be aware that they are ingesting acetyl fentanyl at all.
Signs of Acetyl Fentanyl Intoxication
Unfortunately, acetyl fentanyl can be difficult to identify, and it is often sold as another drug, such as heroin. As a result, people may inadvertently take too much acetyl fentanyl, leading to an overdose. To avoid this, it is important to be aware of the signs of acetyl fentanyl intoxication and to seek medical help immediately if they occur.
Symptoms of acetyl fentanyl intoxication include:
- euphoria
- severe drowsiness
- slow breathing
- unconsciousness
- blue lips and nails
- clammy skin
The Signs of Acetyl Fentanyl Overdose
In most cases, people are not aware that they are ingesting acetyl fentanyl. But the chances of overdose are high with this drug, so it's crucial to recognize the symptoms when they occur. Symptoms of an acetyl fentanyl overdose include:
- pinpoint pupils
- slow and shallow breathing
- slow heart rate
- delusions
- hallucinations
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Acetyl fentanyl can be deadly if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Signs of Acetyl Fentanyl Addiction
Acetyl fentanyl is often used by people who are addicted to opioids. It is also sometimes used by people who are dependent on opioids. The most common signs of addiction and dependence to acetyl fentanyl are:
- Taking acetyl fentanyl more often than you want to or for longer periods of time than you intended.
- Not being able to control your use of acetyl fentanyl.
- Continuing to use acetyl fentanyl even though it is causing problems in your life.
- Giving up important activities in order to use acetyl fentanyl.
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using acetyl fentanyl or using acetyl fentanyl to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Acetyl Fentanyl
If you or someone you know is showing signs of addiction or dependence on acetyl fentanyl, get help right away. There are many resources available to help people who are struggling with addiction. You don’t have to struggle alone.
The most common symptoms include of withdrawal include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
However, some people also experience more serious symptoms such as seizures and hallucinations. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how long someone has been using acetyl fentanyl and how much they have been using.
The longer someone has been using acetyl fentanyl, the more severe their withdrawal symptoms will be. Thankfully, there are treatments available that can help ease the symptoms of withdrawal and make recovery possible. You can identify the acetyl fentanyl use with a high-quality drug testing kit if you suspect a loved one is using acetyl fentanyl.
Identify Acetyl Fentanyl with Countrywide Testing
Acetyl fentanyl has a high potential for abuse. But if you have questions about acetyl fentanyl or the effects of any other drugs and supplements, Countrywide Testing can help.
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