Fentanyl’s Toxic Effects
Laura Collanton lost her son, Spencer, to a fentanyl poisoning. He unknowingly took fentanyl disguised as a Percocet pill.
It takes only minutes for fentanyl to affect the body’s respiratory system. Teens need to know the signs of fentanyl poisoning and opioid overdose and keep an eye on their friends.
Overdose Versus Poisoning
Neil Khushal of River City Recovery Center explains the difference between fentanyl overdose and poisoning and why understanding them is important.
Overdose
Typically involves ingesting too much of a known substance, resulting in illness or death.
Though an overdose might be accidental, it could also be an attempt to end one’s life.
Overdose can happen after ingesting one substance or a combination of substances.
Harm reduction can decrease the risk of overdose.
Poisoning/Toxicity
• Typically involves ingesting an unknown substance, resulting in illness or death.
• Almost always accidental.
• Can occur when individuals think they are taking one kind of substance that is actually something else or laced with an additional substance.
• Many poisonings happen from substances provided by close friends or trusted sources, who also did not know the substances were fake or laced.
There’s No Telling What’s Inside Your Drugs
Allyssia’s brother, Mikael, died of fentanyl poisoning. His best friend gave him the lethal pill, which they both thought was a Percocet from a trusted source.
Just because someone you know and trust gives you a substance doesn’t mean they know what’s in it. Recognize and understand that the substance you’re taking went through a dozen hands before it reached yours – there’s no telling what’s inside your drugs. According to the Sacramento County Crime Lab, 98% of street drugs are fake, and 99% contain deadly fentanyl.
Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose
Respiratory depression: slow and shallow breathing or cessation of breathing
Snoring, choking, or gurgling sounds
Tiny “pinpoint” pupils
Limp body
Unable to talk
Disorientation
Pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, or nails
Cold or clammy skin
Decreased level of awareness or consciousness
Extremely sleepy or passing out
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan if it’s available. Sometimes bystanders may be scared that they will be charged with drug possession, which deters them from calling for help. California’s 911 Good Samaritan law provides limited protection from arrest, charge, and prosecution for people who seek emergency medical assistance at the scene of a suspected drug overdose.
