Yes, fentanyl is one of the most addictive substances known to medical science. This synthetic opioid is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and can trigger addiction even with first use. Understanding fentanyl’s extreme addiction potential requires examining its unique effects on the brain, the rapid development of tolerance and dependence, and why withdrawal symptoms are more severe than different opioids.
What Is Fentanyl and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Medical vs. illicit fentanyl — what’s the difference?
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a legitimate medicine prescribed for severe pain management, particularly cancer pain, post-surgery recovery, and breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients. Medical fentanyl comes as fentanyl patches, nasal sprays, lozenges, and injections, all carefully dosed and monitored by healthcare providers.
Illicit fentanyl, manufactured in illegal laboratories, poses far greater risks. This extremely potent synthetic opioid is often mixed with other drugs or sold as counterfeit pills resembling prescription pain relievers. Unlike pharmaceutical versions, street fentanyl has unpredictable potency and contamination, making overdose deaths tragically common.
In Canada, fentanyl is a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), reflecting both its medical value and extremely high risk for dependence, misuse, and overdose.
How fentanyl affects the brain’s opioid receptors
Fentanyl binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain with exceptional efficiency, creating an immediate flood of dopamine in the brain’s reward system. This neurochemical response produces intense euphoria while simultaneously blocking pain signals.
The drug’s receptor binding efficiency far exceeds other opioids like morphine or heroin, explaining why even a small amount can produce powerful effects. When fentanyl activates these receptors in areas like the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, it creates neurochemical changes that drive compulsive drug-seeking behaviour.
This binding process also affects the person’s body beyond the brain, slowing breathing, heart rate, and other vital functions—effects that become dangerous with higher doses.
Why fentanyl overdoses have skyrocketed in Canada
According to the Government of Canada, opioid-related deaths increased dramatically between 2016 and 2024, with fentanyl and its analogs responsible for the majority of overdose deaths. The contamination of the illegal drug supply means people using cocaine, heroin, or counterfeit pills may unknowingly consume fentanyl.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened overdose rates as social isolation, economic stress, and disrupted treatment services created additional mental health concerns. Health Canada data shows that even experienced drug users face fatal overdose risk when the drug supply contains unexpected fentanyl contamination.
Is Fentanyl Addictive? The Science Behind Dependence
How fentanyl triggers the brain’s reward system
Fentanyl addiction develops through powerful changes in brain chemistry. The drug triggers a massive release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, creating intense pleasure that the brain desperately seeks to repeat. This neurochemical reward is significantly stronger than natural pleasures, such as food or social connection.
Tolerance develops rapidly as the brain adapts to fentanyl’s presence. Within days or weeks of regular use, the person’s body requires higher doses to achieve the same effect. This tolerance development creates a dangerous cycle where users need increasingly larger amounts of this potent opioid.
The addiction potential exceeds heroin and prescription opioids because fentanyl’s effects are both more intense and shorter-lasting, creating frequent dosing cycles that reinforce compulsive use patterns.
Tolerance, dependence, and addiction — what’s the difference?
Physical dependence occurs when the person’s body adapts to fentanyl’s presence, requiring the drug to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms appear when use stops, including severe pain, nausea, and anxiety. This dependence can develop even with prescribed medical use under a doctor’s supervision.
Tolerance means needing higher doses to achieve the same effect. With fentanyl, tolerance develops exceptionally quickly compared to other painkillers.
Addiction, clinically known as opioid use disorder, involves compulsive drug-seeking behaviour despite harmful consequences. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, addiction includes loss of control over drug use, continued use despite problems, and persistent cravings.
Why is fentanyl more addictive than other opioids?
Fentanyl’s superior receptor binding affinity means it occupies brain receptors more completely than morphine, oxycodone, or heroin. This creates more intense euphoria and more severe withdrawal symptoms when the drug wears off.
The rapid onset and short duration create a “honeymoon period” followed by an intense crash, driving users to redose frequently. This cycle reinforces addiction patterns more quickly than longer-acting opioids like methadone.
Research shows fentanyl users experience more severe cravings and higher relapse rates compared to those dependent on other opioids, making recovery more challenging without proper medical treatment.
How Quickly Can Someone Become Addicted to Fentanyl?
First-use addiction risks
Addiction can begin with the first use of fentanyl, particularly in individuals with genetic predisposition, mental health concerns, or trauma history. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) research indicates that some people develop immediate psychological dependence after experiencing fentanyl’s intense euphoric effects.
Individual risk factors influence addiction speed, including family history of substance use disorder, existing mental disorders like depression or anxiety, and previous exposure to prescription opioids or illegal drugs.
The unpredictability of addiction development makes any fentanyl use extremely risky, whether the person believes they’re taking prescribed medication or unknowingly consumes contaminated substances.
The “rapid tolerance” effect
Tolerance to fentanyl can develop within days or weeks of regular use, significantly faster than other substances. This means the person’s body quickly requires escalating dose amounts to achieve the desired effect.
Many individuals transition from prescribed fentanyl to street versions when medical prescriptions become insufficient due to tolerance. This transition dramatically increases overdose risk as illegal drugs have unpredictable potency and dangerous adulterants.
Cross-tolerance with other opioids means people already dependent on prescription pain relievers may need larger fentanyl doses initially, further increasing overdose danger.
Why does withdrawal begin sooner and feel more intense
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms typically begin 6-12 hours after last use, much sooner than other opioids that may take 12-24 hours. This rapid onset drives frequent redosing to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal.
The severity of fentanyl withdrawal symptoms exceeds most other opioids, including intense anxiety, severe pain, vomiting, and profound depression. Canadian treatment guidelines emphasize the need for medical supervision during fentanyl withdrawal due to these severe symptoms.
Both psychological and physical withdrawal components create overwhelming distress that drives continued use, even when the person desperately wants to stop taking fentanyl.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Physical symptoms
Observable physical signs include pinpoint pupils, extreme drowsiness, and dangerously slowed breathing. People using fentanyl may display track marks from injection, nasal damage from snorting, or skin problems from various administration methods.
Weight loss and poor hygiene become evident as the addiction progresses. Sleep pattern disruptions are common, with users experiencing either excessive sleeping during intoxication or severe insomnia during withdrawal.
Other physical indicators include frequent illnesses due to a weakened immune system, coordination problems, and slurred speech during use.
Behavioural and psychological symptoms
Compulsive drug-seeking behaviour becomes the primary focus, with individuals spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from fentanyl. Lying, stealing, or manipulating others to get drugs or money becomes increasingly common.
Social isolation develops as relationships deteriorate due to addiction-related behaviours. Mood swings between euphoria during use and severe depression during withdrawal create unstable emotional patterns.
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home becomes typical as the addiction takes priority over previously important activities and relationships.
Warning signs of accidental fentanyl exposure
Unexpected overdose symptoms in people not known to use opioids may indicate accidental fentanyl exposure through contaminated cocaine, heroin, or counterfeit pills. Signs include sudden unconsciousness, blue lips or fingernails, and gurgling sounds.
Health Canada regularly issues alerts about contaminated drug supplies found across Canadian provinces. Even experienced users of other substances face fatal risk when their drugs contain fentanyl.
Immediate emergency response involves calling 911, administering naloxone if available, and providing rescue breathing until emergency services arrive.
Why Fentanyl Addiction Is Harder to Overcome Than Other Drugs
Extremely intense withdrawal symptoms
Fentanyl withdrawal severity surpasses heroin and prescription opioids, creating intense physical and psychological suffering. Physical symptoms include severe muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and painful hypersensitivity to touch and sound.
Psychological symptoms encompass severe depression, overwhelming anxiety, and intense cravings that can persist for weeks. The duration of acute withdrawal typically lasts 7-14 days, longer than many other substances.
This extreme discomfort drives many people back to drug use simply to escape withdrawal suffering, making medical supervision essential for safe detoxification.
Powerful cravings linked to brain chemistry
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can persist for months or years, involving persistent cravings, mood instability, and sleep problems. Neuroscience research shows that fentanyl creates lasting brain changes affecting decision-making and impulse control.
Trigger-induced cravings can occur years into recovery when the person encounters people, places, or situations associated with past drug use. These environmental cues activate powerful neurochemical responses that can overwhelm rational thinking.
The brain’s reward system remains hypersensitive to drug-related cues long after achieving sobriety, requiring ongoing fentanyl addiction treatment and support to maintain recovery.
Risk of relapse and accidental overdose
Relapse rates for fentanyl addiction are particularly high due to the intensity of withdrawal and persistent cravings. Even brief periods of abstinence reduce tolerance, making previously tolerated doses potentially fatal upon relapse.
The contaminated illegal drug supply means that people attempting to use other substances may accidentally consume fentanyl, leading to unexpected overdoses. Statistics show that many overdose deaths occur in people who were not regular fentanyl users.
This combination of high relapse risk and overdose danger makes fentanyl addiction uniquely life-threatening compared to other substance use disorders.
The Dangers of Illicit Fentanyl in Street Drugs
Why is fentanyl cut into heroin, cocaine, and fake pills
Economic incentives drive dealers to add fentanyl to other drugs due to its extremely potent effects and relatively low production costs. A small amount of fentanyl can create powerful effects, maximizing profit margins compared to other substances.
Manufacturing fentanyl in illegal laboratories is easier than producing heroin, which requires specific plant sources. RCMP drug seizure data shows increasing fentanyl prevalence across Canada’s illegal drug supply.
The high potency means dealers can stretch other expensive drugs like cocaine or heroin while maintaining customer satisfaction, creating dangerous contamination throughout the drug market.
How micro-dosing errors lead to fatal poisoning
Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl—equivalent to a few grains of salt—can be lethal to someone without tolerance. This tiny amount makes accurate dosing nearly impossible in illegal manufacturing and street-level distribution.
Uneven distribution in drug mixtures creates dangerous “hot spots” where concentrated fentanyl causes unexpected overdoses. People may consume what appears to be their usual dose but encounter a lethal concentration.
Visual comparison shows that a lethal fentanyl dose is dramatically smaller than fatal amounts of other drugs, making accidental overdose tragically easy with any contaminated substance.
How to test substances for fentanyl contamination
Fentanyl test strips are available through harm reduction sites, some pharmacies, and health centers across Canada. These simple tests can detect fentanyl presence in drugs before consumption, potentially preventing fatal overdoses.
The testing process involves dissolving a small amount of the substance in water and dipping the test strip. Results appear within minutes, with one line indicating fentanyl presence and two lines showing negative results.
Test strips are available free through many provincial harm reduction programs, though they cannot detect all fentanyl analogs or determine exact concentrations. When testing shows fentanyl presence, the safest choice is disposal of the entire substance.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl Use
Immediate effects on the body
Acute effects include intense euphoria, complete pain relief, profound drowsiness, and dangerous confusion. Respiratory depression poses immediate overdose risk as breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops entirely.
Cardiovascular effects include dramatically reduced heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing shock or cardiac arrest. Gastrointestinal effects commonly include severe constipation and nausea.
These immediate effects explain both fentanyl’s medical usefulness for severe pain and its extremely dangerous addiction potential when used recreationally.
Long-term physical complications
Chronic respiratory problems develop from repeated depression of breathing reflexes. Cardiovascular complications include increased risk of heart disease and blood pressure irregularities.
Liver and kidney damage often result from adulterants found in street fentanyl rather than the pure drug itself. Injection drug use creates additional risks for infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.
Long-term users frequently develop chronic health conditions requiring ongoing medical care, even after achieving sobriety from the substance.
Cognitive and emotional consequences
Memory problems and cognitive impairment develop with chronic use, affecting work performance and daily functioning. Depression and anxiety disorders often persist even after stopping drug use.
Decision-making abilities and judgment become severely compromised, leading to dangerous behaviours and poor life choices. Social and occupational functioning typically declines as addiction progresses.
These cognitive and emotional changes can persist for months or years into recovery, requiring comprehensive treatment addressing both addiction and mental health concerns.
Fentanyl Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and What to Expect
Early withdrawal symptoms (6-24 hours)
Initial symptoms begin within 6-12 hours of last use, starting with anxiety, restlessness, and muscle aches. Runny nose, excessive tearing, and frequent yawning indicate the beginning of withdrawal.
Sleep disturbances and extreme irritability make early withdrawal particularly challenging. These symptoms typically begin sooner than other opioids due to fentanyl’s shorter duration of action.
Recognition of early symptoms is crucial for seeking medical help before withdrawal becomes more severe and potentially dangerous.
Peak withdrawal phase (1-3 days)
Severe symptoms develop 1-3 days after last use, including violent vomiting, severe diarrhea, and intense whole-body pain. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance create serious medical risks requiring professional monitoring.
Psychological symptoms include severe depression, panic attacks, and overwhelming cravings for the drug. This phase represents the most dangerous period when medical supervision becomes absolutely critical for safety.
Many people cannot tolerate this level of suffering without medical assistance, making professional detox programs essential for safe fentanyl withdrawal.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Protracted withdrawal symptoms can persist for weeks to months, including persistent mood instability, sleep problems, and continued cravings. Cognitive symptoms like poor concentration and memory problems interfere with daily functioning.
This extended recovery phase requires ongoing support and treatment as the brain slowly heals from fentanyl’s effects. Understanding PAWS helps people prepare for the long-term nature of recovery.
Treatment Options for Fentanyl Addiction in Canada
Medical detox and supervised withdrawal
Medical supervision during fentanyl withdrawal is essential due to the severity of symptoms and potential complications. Inpatient detox programs provide 24-hour monitoring and comfort medications to manage withdrawal safely.
Healthcare providers can prescribe medicines to reduce withdrawal symptoms, including medications for nausea, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Provincial health programs typically cover medically supervised detox services.
The detox process typically lasts 5-10 days, though individual experiences vary based on duration of use, dosage, and overall health status.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Methadone, Suboxone, Sublocade
Methadone is a long-acting opioid that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings without producing euphoria. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) provides similar benefits with lower overdose risk and easier access through qualified physicians.
Sublocade offers a monthly injection treatment for people who struggle with daily medication adherence. Health Canada has approved these medications as evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder. Each medication has specific eligibility criteria and potential side effects, requiring careful medical assessment to determine the best treatment plan for each individual.
Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs
Residential treatment programs provide intensive, structured environments for comprehensive addiction treatment lasting 30-90 days. Outpatient programs allow people to maintain work and family responsibilities while receiving regular counselling and support.
Specialized fentanyl addiction programs address the unique challenges of this extremely potent substance. In Ontario and across Canada, many medically necessary addiction services – such as hospital-based withdrawal management, physician visits, and medication-assisted treatment – are publicly funded through provincial health insurance. Coverage for residential or private treatment programs varies by province and provider.
Treatment approaches commonly include individual therapy, group counselling, family involvement, and education about addiction and recovery skills.
Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
Many people with fentanyl addiction also struggle with mental disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Integrated treatment addresses both conditions simultaneously for better outcomes.
CAMH treatment guidelines emphasize the importance of treating underlying mental health concerns alongside substance use disorder. Specialized dual diagnosis programs are available in major Canadian cities.
Comprehensive assessment identifies co-occurring conditions and develops integrated treatment plans addressing all aspects of the person’s health and recovery needs.
Harm-Reduction Strategies That Save Lives
Naloxone kits and overdose response
Naloxone (Narcan) rapidly reverses opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors and restoring normal breathing. This life-saving medication is available free through provincial programs, pharmacies, and community organizations.
Proper administration involves recognizing overdose signs, calling emergency services immediately, giving naloxone according to package directions, and providing rescue breathing if needed. Multiple doses may be required for fentanyl overdoses due to the drug’s potency.
Organizations like Thrive Medical play a crucial role in harm reduction and overdose prevention by providing overdose education, helping people access naloxone kits, and offering rapid access to addiction therapy services.
Safe consumption information
Safer use practices can reduce overdose risk for people not ready to stop using substances. These include never using alone, starting with small amounts when drug sources are unknown, and avoiding mixing substances.
Using with someone present who can call for help and administer naloxone significantly improves survival chances during overdose emergencies. Supervised consumption sites in major Canadian cities provide medical supervision and immediate overdose response.
Testing doses carefully and waiting between uses can help identify unexpectedly strong substances before consuming potentially fatal amounts.
Testing drugs for fentanyl contamination
Drug checking services at harm reduction sites can identify fentanyl contamination in other substances before use. These services use sophisticated equipment to detect various drugs and adulterants.
Portable testing options include fentanyl test strips, though these have limitations and cannot detect all fentanyl analogs or determine exact concentrations. When tests indicate fentanyl presence, the safest option is disposing of the entire substance.
The Government of Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection from simple possession charges and some related offences for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 or stay with the person. The goal is to encourage people to seek emergency help without fear of being charged for simple possession.
Supporting a Loved One Struggling With Fentanyl Addiction
How to approach the conversation safely
Choose appropriate timing when the person is not intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Select a private, comfortable setting free from distractions and interruptions.
Use non-judgmental support and communication techniques, expressing concern for their well-being rather than criticism of their behaviour. Focus on specific observations rather than generalizations, saying “I noticed you seem tired lately” instead of “You’re always high.”
Avoid ultimatums or threats, which often push people away rather than encouraging treatment. Instead, express love and willingness to help them find appropriate resources and support.
Setting boundaries and offering support
Distinguish between enabling addiction and providing genuine support for recovery. Enabling includes giving money that might purchase drugs, making excuses for addiction-related behaviour, or protecting them from natural consequences.
Healthy boundary setting involves refusing to provide financial support for drugs while offering to pay for treatment, therapy, or other recovery-related expenses. Express willingness to help with practical needs like transportation to treatment appointments.
Offer emotional support while maintaining firm boundaries about unacceptable behaviours. Family members benefit from their own counselling and support groups to learn effective ways of helping without enabling.
When to seek professional intervention
Professional intervention becomes necessary when the person repeatedly refuses help, experiences multiple overdoses, or engages in increasingly dangerous behaviours. Signs include legal problems, job loss, or a complete breakdown of family relationships.
Professional intervention facilitators can help plan structured conversations with multiple family members and friends. These specialists understand addiction dynamics and can guide the process safely and effectively.
Crisis intervention resources are available across Canada when immediate safety concerns arise, including emergency services, mobile crisis teams, and urgent addiction assessment services.
Preventing Relapse After Treatment
Importance of aftercare programs
Continuing care following initial treatment significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes. Aftercare programs provide ongoing support, monitoring, and intervention when early relapse warning signs appear.
Outpatient programs, regular check-ins with healthcare providers, and ongoing counselling help maintain recovery momentum after residential treatment ends. Relapse prevention planning identifies personal triggers and develops specific coping strategies.
Evidence-based aftercare approaches include regular drug testing, medication management for those on MAT, and gradual transition back to independent living with continued support.
Therapy, counselling, and support groups
Cognitive behavioural therapy helps identify and change thought patterns that contribute to drug use. This evidence-based approach teaches practical skills for managing cravings, stress, and high-risk situations.
Twelve-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery provide peer support from others with similar experiences. These groups offer sponsorship relationships and structured approaches to maintaining sobriety.
Individual counselling addresses personal trauma, mental health concerns, and specific challenges in recovery. Group therapy provides opportunities to practice social skills and receive support from peers facing similar challenges.
Lifestyle changes that support long-term recovery
Establishing routine and structure helps replace the chaos often associated with active addiction. Regular sleep schedules, meal times, and daily activities provide stability during early recovery.
Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, including exercise, meditation, hobbies, and social connections, reduces reliance on substances for emotional regulation. Regular physical activity specifically helps improve mood and reduce cravings.
Proper nutrition and sleep hygiene support brain healing and overall health improvement. Holistic recovery approaches increasingly recognize the importance of addressing physical wellness alongside psychological and social aspects of recovery.
How to Find Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Near You
What to look for in a treatment centre
Seek facilities with proper accreditation from provincial regulatory bodies and licensing from health departments. Staff should include qualified physicians, nurses, counsellors, and social workers with specific addiction training.
Evidence-based treatment approaches should include medical detox capabilities, medication-assisted treatment options, and various therapy modalities. Specialized fentanyl addiction programs understand the unique challenges of this extremely potent substance.
Look for facilities that address co-occurring mental health concerns and provide family involvement opportunities. Treatment philosophy should emphasize compassion, dignity, and individualized care rather than punishment or shame-based approaches.
Questions to ask during intake
Inquire about specific treatment approaches, expected duration, and success rates for fentanyl addiction specifically. Ask about medical detox capabilities, safety protocols, and availability of medication-assisted treatment.
Understand aftercare planning and ongoing support services provided after initial treatment completion. Ask about family involvement policies, visiting schedules, and communication opportunities with loved ones.
Clarify treatment philosophy, rules, and consequences for various situations. Understanding expectations and procedures helps make informed decisions about treatment options.
Insurance, cost, and financial support options
Provincial health insurance typically covers medically necessary addiction treatment services, including detox, some counselling, and medication-assisted treatment through physicians and health centers.
Private insurance benefits vary significantly, so review specific coverage for addiction treatment, including inpatient, outpatient, and medication costs. Many employers offer employee assistance programs that include addiction counselling services.
Financial assistance programs and sliding scale fee structures are available through many treatment facilities. Government funding supports addiction treatment services across Canada, though waiting lists may exist for some programs.
Moving Forward: Recovery From Fentanyl Addiction Is Possible
Recovery from fentanyl addiction is challenging but achievable with proper treatment and support. Many Canadians have successfully overcome addiction through a combination of medical care, counselling, and peer support. Medication-assisted treatment alongside therapy forms the foundation for lasting recovery.
Seeking help is the crucial first step, as professional and community support greatly improves outcomes. Thrive Medical offers compassionate, rapid-access addiction medicine, including assessment, medication-assisted treatment, brief counselling, and referrals to detox, residential treatment, and community support tailored to fentanyl addiction. Contact us today to take the first step toward safer use, stabilization, and long-term recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone become addicted to fentanyl even if it’s prescribed by a doctor?
Yes, prescribed fentanyl carries a high addiction risk due to its extreme potency. Even when used exactly as prescribed for legitimate medical conditions like cancer pain or post-surgery recovery, physical dependence can develop quickly. Healthcare providers monitor patients carefully and adjust treatment plans to minimize addiction risk while managing pain effectively.
Is fentanyl addiction treatable without medication-assisted treatment?
While possible, medication-assisted treatment significantly improves success rates and reduces overdose risk during recovery. MAT medications like methadone, Suboxone, and Sublocade help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to focus on counselling and lifestyle changes needed for lasting recovery.
How long does fentanyl stay in the body after last use?
Fentanyl typically remains detectable for 24-72 hours in urine tests, though factors like metabolism, frequency of use, liver function, and individual body chemistry affect detection times. Blood tests detect fentanyl for shorter periods (12-24 hours), while hair tests can show use for up to 90 days.
Can fentanyl addiction be cured completely?
There is no “cure” for addiction in the traditional sense, but long-term recovery is absolutely achievable with proper treatment. Addiction is a chronic condition similar to diabetes or high blood pressure—it requires ongoing management but doesn’t prevent people from living full, healthy, productive lives.
How do I help someone who refuses addiction treatment?
Continue offering non-judgmental support while maintaining healthy boundaries. Provide information about treatment resources, keep naloxone available for emergencies, and consider professional intervention services. Sometimes people need multiple conversations over time before they’re ready to accept help.
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
Call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if available, provide rescue breathing if the person isn’t breathing, and stay with them until emergency services arrive. Don’t leave the person alone, and be prepared to give multiple naloxone doses as fentanyl’s potency may require repeated treatment.
Are there free addiction treatment options available in Canada?
Yes, provincial health systems provide coverage for medically necessary addiction treatment, including detox, counselling, and medication-assisted treatment through physicians and health centers. Many community organizations also offer free support groups, harm reduction services, and counselling programs.
How effective are fentanyl test strips for preventing overdose?
Fentanyl test strips can detect many types of fentanyl contamination and provide valuable safety information, though they cannot detect all fentanyl analogs or determine exact concentrations. When combined with other harm reduction strategies like using with others present and having naloxone available, testing can significantly reduce overdose risk.
