San Diego has been flooded with drugs, especially fentanyl, in recent years. Addiction has seemingly left no corner of the world untouched. As carfentanil, fentanyl’s even more dangerous cousin, makes headlines, how worried should people be about carfentanil in the area? Is it really becoming more common?
What Is Carfentanil?
Carfentanil is a drug that has no ethical or legal human use. It’s primarily used as a veterinary tranquilizer for animals as large as hippos. That said, it’s also an opioid and is highly potent as such. It’s said to be over 10,000 times as potent as morphine. Fentanyl, in comparison, is 100 times as powerful. Both are highly addictive and can easily lead to overdoses, especially in people who aren’t heavy opioid users.
Carfentanil has been in the media lately because it’s begun to taint the drug supply. A recent report put out by the CDC says that in the past year, deaths from carfentanil poisoning have increased sevenfold. However, carfentanil overdoses and use in general are still rare. Twenty-three states in the US have detected it in their drug supply.
Overdoses from synthetic opioids like fentanyl have been declining. The upward trend of carfentanil overdoses is what makes this recent report so concerning. It doesn’t take much of the drug at all to end up with an overdose death.
Carfentanil in San Diego
Carfentanil is a hardcore drug for most opioid users. However, there are still people who use it willingly and are addicted to it. Wherever there is addiction, there’s also money to be had. Because of San Diego’s proximity to the border and ports, fentanyl and other drugs are often trafficked through San Diego County and the surrounding areas.
A small percentage of these drugs make their way into the community. When they do, there are tragic results. In 2019, a man was charged in the death of a carfentanil user. A drug user himself, he sold carfentanil and gave some to his girlfriend. He ended up in the hospital, and his girlfriend died. All in all, 20 gang members affiliated with carfentanil trafficking were arrested in a criminal conspiracy.
Presumably, when those drug dealers were arrested, others probably took their place. As long as there is demand for addictive drugs, it seems people will decide to make money off them.
San Diego has had carfentanil on its streets since at least 2016, but overdoses are still pretty rare. It’s important to know that this drug is out there and could be tainting the street drug supply of other drugs, too.
Carfentanil and Fentanyl Are Highly Addictive
Carfentanil and fentanyl are both drugs that are highly addictive. Experienced opioid users may use them after developing a tolerance to other opioids. However, all addiction is progressive, meaning it will take more of the same drug to get the high a user seeks. With fentanyl, carfentanil, and other highly addictive opioids, this may mean they try to take an amount that is not safe for anyone.
Some carfentanil overdoses are from unsuspecting users. In 2016, there was a spate of carfentanil-related overdoses in the United States. The DEA put out a warning that the drug was being sold on the streets to unsuspecting users who believed they were buying heroin.
People who use carfentanil are gambling with their lives. There is no standard formulation for the drug supply. Because it’s hard to find, the drug supply may be inconsistent, and users can easily take too much of the drug without realizing it.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
What does an opioid overdose look like? If not sure, you should speak with the person who appears unwell. Ask them questions.
Here are some symptoms that a person who has overdosed may display:
- Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
- Slow, shallow or stopped breathing
- Pinpoint (small) pupils
- Blue or gray lips, fingertips, or skin
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Limp body or weak pulse
What to Do If Someone Overdoses
If you suspect an opioid overdose, act quickly. Call 911 and then administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. There are instructions on the packaging. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
Check for breathing and pulse; if needed, perform rescue breaths or CPR until help arrives. Some people may need CPR until the first responders get there, especially if they have also also ingested something like xylazine.
Carfentanil Overdose Prevention/Reversals
Carfentanil is an alarmingly potent drug, and it is very likely to cause an overdose in humans, even if they use opioids already. Because of this, drug users who are exposed accidentally will experience overdoses. Anyone who uses recreational drugs or lives with somebody who might should have a supply of naloxone (Narcan) in their home or carried with them.
Just like fentanyl, a carfentanil overdose reversal is possible. However, it may take several doses of naloxone to help reverse the overdose. A hospital visit is necessary to ensure there is no organ damage, and the person may need medical monitoring.
This drug may not show up in a fentanyl testing strip, which is one important tool people use to prevent fentanyl overdoses.
Getting Help for Addiction
The easiest way to prevent an overdose is to avoid taking drugs at all, which is always an option. Many people choose to get sober and save their own lives. Sober housing and supportive programs can help you get back on your feet and begin to rebuild your life.
If you or somebody you love is struggling with addiction, or wants to find a sober home to get help, we’re here for you. Click here to search our directory of sober housing.
