Fentanyl and cocaine are two very different drugs, though both are Schedule II controlled substances. Law enforcement agencies in several states have reported that cocaine is being laced with fentanyl by drug traffickers in ever-increasing amounts. The dangers of cocaine use are matched by the dangers of fentanyl. When people take these two drugs together, usually unwittingly, they are at higher risk of overdose, addiction, and other complications. A cocaine and/or fentanyl addiction treatment center is the safest and most reliable place to begin your recovery.
Reach out to Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge to learn about the dangers of cocaine use when it is laced with fentanyl, how to recognize if you’ve been dosed with an undisclosed substance, and how fentanyl and cocaine can affect your health and well-being. We have more than 60 years of experience treating addictions, including polysubstance abuse. Our phone number is 888.546.2579, or you can simply complete this easy online form.
Fentanyl and Cocaine
What are these two potent and addictive drugs, and how do they affect your body and brain?
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant, which is prevalent in Central and South America. Long considered safe and sold over the counter as well as included in recipes like the original Coca-Cola, cocaine is rarely used even in medical settings anymore due to its highly addictive properties.
Cocaine affects the brain, initially causing euphoria but ultimately triggering stress responses after repeated use. Some of the effects of cocaine sought by users are:
- Increased energy
- Alertness
- Euphoria
- Increased feelings of self-esteem and empowerment
- A sense of invincibility
One of the dangers of cocaine use is that it leads to long periods of binging to avoid a crash, which results in tremendous wear and tear on the body’s systems.
Fentanyl
This is a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine. It provides feelings of euphoria, but unlike cocaine, creates a tranquilizing effect. It also interacts with the structures within the brain that produce neurotransmitters and feel-good chemicals like dopamine but acts as a sedative rather than a stimulant.
Some of the effects that cause people to desire an opioid high are:
- Euphoria
- False sense of well-being
- Pain relief
- Muting of anxiety or depression
Fentanyl suppresses breathing and interferes with heart rhythms, putting those who overdose at risk of death.
The Risks of Fentanyl Mixed with Cocaine
When drug traffickers and dealers mix fentanyl with cocaine, they are putting users at risk. When someone has built up a tolerance to a drug, they are at slightly less risk of overdose. However, if a user of cocaine is unaware that there is fentanyl in their supply, they could be at greatly increased risk.
Fentanyl increases the addictiveness of any drug laced with it, which dealers bargain will create return business. However, overdose and even death are just as likely.
Cocaine and Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at PAATC
If you have inadvertently developed a polysubstance addiction because of being exposed to a second addictive drug in your supply of another substance, you can get help for both addictions. Knowing exactly what you have developed a tolerance or addiction for helps clinicians understand how to develop your individualized treatment plan to best address your needs.
If the mixing of fentanyl and cocaine is confusing or if you want to find out how much you’ve been affected by these two substances, reach out to us to find answers to your questions. We have an intensive outpatient program as well as a residential program, both of which can be effective in the treatment of addiction to more than one drug. Call 888.546.2579 or use this online form to learn about evidence-based treatments provided by expert, caring staff.
