As the opioid epidemic continues to spread across the country, it is more important than ever to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Currently, opioids like Fentanyl and Carfentanil are presenting a particularly significant risk to public health and well-being. Here is everything you need to know about Carfentanil vs Fentanyl and what you should be doing to avoid these drugs.

What Is Carfentanil?

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is believed to be almost 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Currently, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. This means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Carfentanil is primarily used as a tranquilizer for large animals, such as elephants. However, it has also been illegally manufactured and sold as a recreational drug. Because this drug is extremely potent, even small amounts can be fatal.

Unfortunately, it is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, without the consumer’s knowledge. This makes it even extremely dangerous, as it is easy for people to unknowingly ingest a lethal dose of Carfentanil.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid. Like Carfentanil, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance and carries a high risk for abuse and addiction. Fentanyl is primarily used as a pain reliever in medical settings. This includes managing discomfort during surgery or to help ease chronic pain.

However, fentanyl has also become a major contributor to the opioid overdose epidemic. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed and sold with other drugs. In a similar pattern of destruction to Carfentanil, fentanyl is often consumed unknowingly. Unfortunately, this has caused opioid overdose deaths to skyrocket across the country.

Opioid Abuse Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies drug poisoning as a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022 alone, nearly 70% of the 110,000 drug overdose deaths that occurred that year involved fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Unfortunately, the State of Washington is just one of many that have been directly impacted by the increased availability of fentanyl and other opioids. Between 2019 and 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) records show a 1670% increase in the amount of fentanyl seized across the state.

In an attempt to combat the rising presence of fentanyl in Washington, treatment centers like Sound Recovery provide the comprehensive care and support necessary to achieve lasting recovery from opioid addiction.

The Difference Between Carfentanil vs Fentanyl

While both Carfentanil and fentanyl are synthetic opioids, there are key differences between these substances. Being aware of the ways in which these drugs differ can be essential for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Some of the main differences between Carfentanil and fentanyl include:

Potency: Carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.
Use: Fentanyl is used as a pain reliever in medical settings. Carfentanil, on the other hand, is primarily used as a tranquilizer for large animals.
Illicit Use: Both are illegally manufactured and sold, often mixed with other drugs. Carfentanil’s extreme potency makes it even more dangerous, as even tiny amounts can be fatal.

Which Is Stronger?

Carfentanil is significantly stronger than Fentanyl, as well as almost every other opioid on the market. This is because it is not intended for human consumption and is designed to be used as a tranquilizer for large animals, such as elephants.

What Are the Risks of Using Carfentanil and Fentanyl?

Both Carfentanil and fentanyl carry significant risks. This is primarily due to their potency and potential for overdose. Understanding the risks associated with using Carfentanil and Fentanyl is crucial for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Addiction Risks of Carfentanil and Fentanyl

Both Carfentanil and fentanyl are highly addictive substances. They work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, affecting the way the body responds to pain signals by blocking these messages.

In turn, this can produce an intense euphoric high. For many people, even one time using these substances can cause them to want to continue taking the drug to achieve this high over and over again. Over time, this can lead them to become dependent on these substances.

Health Risks of Carfentanil and Fentanyl

There are several health risks associated with Carfentanil and fentanyl. Even on their own, these substances can be highly dangerous due to their extreme potency. Taking even small doses of them can lead to adverse health effects.

However, these risks are only amplified by the fact that illicitly manufactured versions are often mixed with other substances. This includes other opioids and drugs like cocaine or even toxic chemicals. Because of this, it is not uncommon for users to unknowingly ingest a lethal dose.

Overdose Risk of Carfentanil and Fentanyl

One of the biggest risks associated with these drugs is the high possibility of experiencing a Fentanyl or Carfentanil overdose. Because of how intense Fentanyl and Carfentanil side effects can be, it does not take much of either drug to cause an overdose.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with Carfentanil and Fentanyl overdoses include:

Respiratory Depression: Both drugs can severely slow or stop breathing, leading to suffocation.
Cardiac Arrest: Overdose can cause the heart to stop beating.
Death: Overdose is a leading cause of death related to these substances.

As highly potent drugs, even small doses can be fatal. In the case of Fentanyl, as little as a 2 mg dose can be lethal, depending on the person. A Carfentanil lethal dose, on the other hand, can be even smaller than this. This is why it is important to never experiment with these substances, as even one time using them can prove deadly.

How to Stay Safe from Carfentanil and Fentanyl

As opioid abuse and overdose rates continue to increase throughout the state, it is important to know how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Sound Recovery understands the need for education and awareness on these issues. Following these steps can help you stay safe from Carfentanil and Fentanyl:

Educate Yourself

One of the best ways you can be proactive is to educate yourself on the dangers of opioids like Fentanyl and Carfentanil. You may want to do research on the presence of opioids in your area, as well as what prevention services are available to you. You can also look up local resources for those struggling with opioid addiction if you feel you may have a problem with substance abuse.

Use Naloxone (Narcan) for an Overdose

Opioids slow down or stop breathing by attaching to receptors in the brain. Naloxone can be used to reverse overdose by blocking these opioid receptors, allowing normal breathing to resume. This can be lifesaving if someone is experiencing respiratory failure as a result of an opioid overdose.

This medication is available in nasal spray and injectable forms, making it relatively easy to access and administer. Furthermore, Naloxone has no effect on someone who has not taken opioids. However, its effects are temporary, which is why it is important to receive continued medical attention in the event of an overdose.

Find a Treatment Center for Loved Ones

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, your best option will be to seek help at a professional treatment center. Fortunately, Washington State offers the best of the best when it comes to opioid addiction intervention and treatment options. At Sound Recovery Centers, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care, ensuring our clients achieve lasting recovery.

Opioid Detox and Recovery Options

At Sound Recovery, we combine holistic and evidence-based treatments, providing a whole-health approach to your recovery. Through our comprehensive approach, we ensure you are able to heal in mind, body, and spirit.

Our opioid treatment program incorporates several levels of care, including:

Medical Detox
Residential Inpatient Treatment
Partial Hospitalization
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient Treatment
Sober Living

Throughout every stage of your treatment journey, you will have consistent access to various therapies and medical interventions for illicit drug addiction, as well as the full support of a diverse treatment staff. If you are ready to start your recovery, we are here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about our opioid treatment and substance use disorders programming and how we can get you started on the path to lasting sobriety.