Fentanyl dangers explained
By: Samantha Lavien
Slavien@abc6.com
Twitter: @SLavienABC6
Fifty one overdose deaths have been reported in Rhode Island so far this year and an overwhelming majority of those deaths involve the drug fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is an exquisitely potent opiod receptor agonist which means it works in a similar way to the heroin,” said Dr. Jason Hack the Director of Rhode Island Hospital’s division of medical toxicology.
Hack explains why this drug is so dangerous.
“The more euphoria you feel the more the breathing part of your brain is suppressed,” said Hack. “Usually the person feels euphoric, then they fall asleep and are unable to protect their airway.”
Fentanyl is a legal drug used for severe pain. In a hospital setting it can be administered through a patch or an IV, but on the streets Dr. Hack says it is being used in an uncontrolled manner.
“They have no idea how much they’re getting per dose,” said Hack.
Local recovery centers say they’re looking into the drug and want to promote awareness.
“We want to educate the public of the dangers that are out there and that recovery is possible,” said Tom Joyce the Associate Director of Recovery Support Services at the Anchor Recovery Center. “Right now we’re actively working to seek some information that’s on the street to see if there’s a difference if there’s a taste that’s different or a different feeling when you are taking it.”
(C) WLNE 2015
