The drug overdose crisis in the United States has taken an even deadlier turn with the rise of synthetic opioids – powerful, human-made drugs that are far more potent than their natural or semi-synthetic counterparts.
What Are Synthetic Opioids?
Synthetic opioids are lab-created substances designed to mimic the effects of natural opioids like morphine or codeine. They act on the same receptors in the brain, producing pain relief, euphoria, and, in high doses, respiratory depression.
The most infamous example is fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and far more addictive. Only two milligrams can be enough to cause a fatal overdose.
Other synthetic opioids include:
- Carfentanil (even more potent than fentanyl, originally used to sedate large animals)
- U-47700 (a designer opioid associated with clusters of fatal overdoses)
- Various fentanyl analogs that continue to appear on the illicit drug market
Why Synthetic Opioids Are So Dangerous
There are several reasons synthetic opioids pose a uniquely deadly threat.
1. Contaminated Drug Supply
The leading reason behind the alarming number of synthetic opioid overdoses is that sellers often mix them into other substances, such as heroin, cocaine, meth, or counterfeit pills that resemble legitimate prescriptions. As a result, it is alarmingly easy for someone to take what they believe is one substance and experience a fatal overdose instead.
2. Extreme Potency
Synthetic opioids are powerful enough that even trace amounts can shut down your central nervous system and cause respiratory failure. Since there is no regulatory oversight, it may be impossible for you to tell how much you’ve taken.
3. High Addiction Potential
Synthetic opioids create a nearly immediate rush of euphoria by binding to specific receptors in your brain. As a result, you can quickly develop a dependency that makes it extremely difficult to quit without professional support.
Signs of Synthetic Opioid Overdose
Knowing how to respond to an opioid overdose can save a life. Symptoms include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
- Blue or gray skin, lips, or fingernails
- Pinpoint pupils
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body and cold skin
If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. While naloxone can reverse an overdose in progress, it may require multiple doses to counteract the strength of synthetic opioids.
The Importance of Professional Treatment
Many people struggle to quit using synthetic opioids on their own because the resulting withdrawal symptoms can be intensely painful and, in some cases, dangerous. More importantly, the mental and emotional grip of synthetic opioids makes relapse a constant risk without structure and support.
With peaceful locations in Costa Mesa and Lake Arrowhead, Hope Lodge offers:
- Medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
- Evidence-based therapies that address the root causes of addiction
- Dual-diagnosis care for our clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Relapse prevention planning and continuing care options
Don’t Wait – Get Help Today
Synthetic opioids are incredibly dangerous – and they’re increasingly showing up in places you’d never expect. Whether you use opioids directly or take other substances that might have fentanyl mixed in, the risks are too high to ignore.
Hope Lodge offers same-day admissions and accepts many forms of insurance, so you can begin your recovery without delay. Contact us today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs and how we can help you reclaim your life from the dangers of synthetic opioids.