In recent years, synthetic opioids have increased risks for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Synthetic opioids are human-made drugs that act on the same brain receptors as natural opioids, like morphine. Some are used in medicine for pain relief, and this can come with negative effects. However, illicitly produced versions are significantly fueling the current opioid crisis due to their extreme potency and high risk of overdose.
Fentanyl is only prescribed to treat severe pain when other medications aren’t effective. For instance, it may be used to treat cancer or after a surgery. Even a very small amount of fentanyl can be deadly. Synthetic opioids are sometimes mixed with other drugs, so many people don’t know when they’re being exposed.
In this article, we’ll talk about the risks and dangers of synthetic opioids and how we can reduce the harm of these drugs as individuals and in our communities.
What are synthetic opioids?
Most synthetic opioids were developed for medical uses. They‘re made in a lab from non-natural ingredients, and they have different properties than opioids derived from the poppy plant. Semi-synthetic opioids have also been created by chemically altering natural opioids.
Many of these drugs have become more available from illegal sources. Fentanyl and its variations are notorious for their high potency and risk of death by overdose. They’re often added to other drugs to make them more powerful and addictive. Unfortunately, this also increases the risk of overdose.
Types of synthetic opioids
Most synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl or carfentanil, are more potent pain relievers or sedatives than natural opioids. Methadone is also synthetic, and it’s used to treat OUD.
The following are examples of synthetic opioids:
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Carfentanil
- Protonitazene
- Isotonitazene
- Methadone
Types of semi-synthetic opioids
Heroin is semi-synthetic, and it was manufactured and prescribed as a medical “wonder drug” before people realized the dangers of addiction and overdose. Other semi-synthetic pain relievers such as oxycodone were discovered more recently.
Buprenorphine, which is used to treat OUD, is also semi-synthetic. It’s different from other opioids in that it’s a potent pain reliever that doesn’t cause an intense “high.” It also has a ceiling effect, which means its effects don’t increase at higher doses. This lowers the risk of overdose significantly.
The following are examples of semi-synthetic opioids:
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Oxymorphone
- Buprenorphine
Risks and dangers of taking synthetic opioids without a prescription
Most synthetic opioids come with an even higher risk of respiratory depression than heroin and morphine. This is what causes people to stop breathing and die from overdose. It can also affect your heart rhythm or cause cardiac events. These effects come on rapidly. Fentanyl can have negative health effects, even when prescribed by a doctor. In the long term, it can affect your brain function, heart health, digestive system, sexual health, and pain sensitivity.
Because of variations in potency, it can be hard to determine what’s a safe dose. Taking other street drugs has also become riskier because of synthetic opioids. Fentanyl test strips and other testing methods have become more available. They aren’t always 100% accurate. However, they do save lives, so they’re a good tool for harm reduction. Using at a supervised consumption site can also help ensure your safety.
Narcan may be able to help reverse a synthetic opioid overdose in many cases. However, it may take more than one dose to keep a person alive. Many people only carry one dose of Narcan with them. Carrying multiple doses of both Narcan and fentanyl test strips is a helpful harm reduction strategy. You should also safely dispose of any unused fentanyl.
Why are synthetic opioids in the drug supply?
Synthetic opioids are cheaper to produce than other opioids. They also have a high value, and it takes a smaller amount to feel intense effects. All of these factors have made synthetic opioids popular with international drug traffickers. They often buy ingredients from countries that produce them, and the finished product is easy to smuggle across borders. This makes it hard for law enforcement to track them. There’s also the added challenge of dealers mixing fentanyl with other drugs to make them more potent and addictive.
The rise in synthetic opioid use has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths. In addition to affecting these people and their loved ones, this also puts a strain on their communities. Emergency services are being used at a higher rate.
When to call for help with overdose from synthetic opioids
Recognizing the signs of overdose from synthetic opioids could save a life. The biggest danger is if the person stops breathing. Other signs of an overdose include tiny pupils, blue lips or fingernails, and unresponsiveness. When this happens, tell someone to call 911 right away and give the person Narcan if you have it. Read this article for a step-by-step breakdown of how to use Narcan.
The following are some signs of opioid overdose to look out for:
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Weakness or limpness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Snoring or gurgling sounds coming from the mouth
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slowed or stopped heartbeat and breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Vomiting
Paths to recovery from synthetic opioid use
Synthetic opioids are highly addictive, and people who use other opioids are at a high risk of using them without knowing it. When a person’s opioid use gets in the way of other life activities or they can’t stop, that’s a sign they need help. For recovery to truly begin, the person needs to acknowledge what’s happening and decide to seek treatment for themselves.
There are many paths to recovery from OUD. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are the gold standard. MOUD such as Suboxone is most effective when combined with counseling or social support. The best options for you will depend on your recovery goals, your life situation, and your budget or insurance. Your wishes are a critical factor in your treatment decisions. Try to find a provider who can help you fully understand your options so you can work together to create a plan you feel good about.
Groups is here to help you recover from synthetic opioid use
Synthetic opioids are becoming more and more common. Skin contact can have consequences if it’s not removed, and these drugs are highly addictive. If you or someone you love has OUD, there is hope that you can recover and avoid an overdose. Understanding the risks and signs of overdose from synthetic opioids is critical. There are also harm reduction methods that can help, such as carrying multiple doses of Narcan or fentanyl test strips. If you’re ready to begin treatment, you can take your first steps by learning about your options and exploring providers in your area.
At Groups, we provide comprehensive care that combines Suboxone treatment with support from a counselor, care team, and other people pursuing recovery. We offer opportunities to share what you’re going through, listen to success stories from other members, and develop clear life goals. We understand the challenges of recovery; we don’t use guilt and shame and we don’t kick people out for using.
Are you looking for help stopping synthetic opioid use? Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723.
We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
