What to Know About Carfentanil Abuse

Carfentanil vs Fentanyl

Carfentanil and fentanyl have a lot of similarities, but there are some important differences to be aware of.

• Chemical Structure: Both drugs belong to the same class of synthetic opioids known as piperidines. They share a similar core chemical structure, with differences in chemical side chains.
• Potency: Carfentanil is far more potent than fentanyl. The potency of opioids is often measured by how strongly they bind to and activate mu-opioid receptors in the brain.
• Medical Use: Fentanyl has legitimate medical uses and is commonly prescribed for severe pain management, typically in cases such as surgery or chronic pain. It is available in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable formulations. Carfentanil, on the other hand, is not intended for human use and is only used as a veterinary tranquilizer for large animals.
• Illicit Use and Risks: Both drugs have been illicitly manufactured and distributed, contributing to the opioid crisis. However, carfentanil poses an even higher risk due to its higher potency. Even a minuscule amount of the drug can lead to profound respiratory depression, overdose, and death.
• Risk of Overdose: Both fentanyl and carfentanil carry a high risk of overdose when abused. But carfentanil can cause a fatal overdose at much smaller amounts, owing to its increased potency. 
• Regulation: Fentanyl is a prescription product used for chronic and refractory pain. Carfentanil has no approved human uses.

What Does Carfentanil Look Like?

In its pure form, carfentanil typically appears as a pale yellow crystalline powder. It may resemble other powdered substances. On the street, it can come in a lot of different forms, like tablets, powder, blotter paper, and spray.

What Color is Carfentanil?

Carfentanil, in its pure form, is a pale yellow crystalline powder. However, any substance’s color can change based on impurities and additives. 

The color of carfentanil may vary based on its preparation and any substances it has been mixed with, especially in illicit or non-medical contexts. Unfortunately, street drugs are commonly tainted with other street drugs that the user is unaware of.

Learn More:

• What is Narcan Nasal Spray? How Does Narcan Work? What is Narcan Used For? Naloxone Uses & How To Administer Narcan.
• Carfentanil vs Fentanyl, What’s the Difference Between Fentanyl and Carfentanil? Carfentanil Compared to Fentanyl
• How Strong is Fentanyl? Is Fentanyl Stronger Than Morphine & Are There Drugs Stronger Than Fentanyl?
• Fentanyl Street Names, What is The Slang For Fentanyl? Common Street Names For Fentanyl
• The Fentanyl Epidemic, Fentanyl Deaths & Why is Fentanyl So Popular Now?
• What’s The Lethal Dose of Fentanyl? Facts About Fentanyl
• How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System, Body, Blood, and Urine?
• Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms, Can You Die From Opiate Withdrawal?
• Opiate Detox Timeline, Withdrawal Symptoms, & Top Treatment Options
• How To Prevent & Avoid Opiate Addiction & Abuse

The estimated lethal dose of the drug in humans is reported to be in the microgram range, which means that even a few micrograms (millionths of a gram) can result in a fatal outcome.

This extreme potency poses a significant risk, as accidental exposure or inhalation of airborne particles during handling can be enough to cause an overdose. The rapid onset of the drug’s effects and its potency makes it extremely difficult to reverse an overdose using traditional opioid reversal agents.

It’s essential to stress that carfentanil is not intended for human use and should only be handled by trained professionals in controlled veterinary settings. The potential for lethal overdose and the challenges in treating such cases underscore the critical importance of preventing contact or exposure to this hazardous substance.

Signs of Carfentanil Drug Abuse

Detecting whether someone is using carfentanil can be challenging due to its potency and the severe health risks associated with minimal exposure. Signs that someone might be using the drug could include:

• Unresponsiveness: Severe drowsiness, unresponsiveness, or nodding off frequently.
• Pinpoint Pupils: Constricted pupils that do not respond to changes in light.
• Slow Breathing: Slowed or shallow breathing or noticeable pauses in breathing.
• Blue Lips or Fingertips: Bluish or purplish discoloration of the lips, fingertips, or nail beds due to lack of oxygen.
• Extreme Lethargy: Extreme tiredness, inability to stay awake, or appearing “out of it.”
• Confusion or Disorientation: Confusion, disorientation, or inability to concentrate or communicate clearly.
• Unsteady Movements: Difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or coordinating movements.
• Sudden Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, such as agitation, irritability, or euphoria.

Side Effects of Carfentanil Drug Abuse

It’s crucial to approach any suspicion of carfentanil use with extreme caution. Given its potency, accidental exposure or inhalation of trace amounts can be life-threatening.

Some of the side effects of carfentanil drug abuse include:

• Respiratory depression.
• Overdose.
• Cardiovascular effects.
• Central nervous system depression.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Tolerance and dependence.
• Decreased cognitive function.
• Social and occupational impairment.
• Death.

• Medical Supervision: Carfentanyl detox should always be carried out under the care of medical professionals, ideally in a specialized detox or addiction treatment center. The extreme potency of carfentanyl makes withdrawal particularly challenging, and medical supervision is essential to manage potential complications.
•  Individualized Approach: Each person’s detox experience is unique. To develop a personalized detox plan, medical professionals will assess the individual’s physical health, substance use history, and any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.
•  Withdrawal Management: Carfentanyl withdrawal can be intense and uncomfortable. Medical staff may administer medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety, and insomnia.
•  Supportive Care: In addition to medical intervention, individuals in carfentanyl detox will receive emotional support and counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, and addiction education.
•  Gradual Tapering: In some cases, a medical professional may recommend gradually tapering carfentanyl to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. This involves slowly decreasing the dosage of the drug over some time.
•  Aftercare Planning: Detox is the first step in the recovery process. It’s essential to have a comprehensive aftercare plan to address the underlying factors contributing to addiction and provide ongoing support to prevent relapse.

• Medical Assessment: Treatment begins with a thorough medical assessment to evaluate the individual’s physical and mental health, substance use history, and co-occurring medical conditions. This helps in creating a personalized treatment plan.
• Medical Detoxification: Due to the severity of carfentanyl withdrawal, medical detox is often necessary. Medical professionals closely monitor the individual’s vital signs, provide medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, and ensure safety.
• Inpatient or Residential Treatment: Depending on the addiction severity, individuals may opt for inpatient or outpatient treatment. Inpatient and residential programs provide intensive, 24/7 care within a controlled environment, while outpatient programs offer flexibility for those who do not require constant supervision.
• Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based therapies address the psychological aspects of addiction, help individuals develop coping skills, and modify harmful behaviors.

• Group Therapy: Participating in group therapy sessions allows individuals to connect with peers facing similar challenges, share experiences, and gain insights and support from others.
• Family Involvement: Family therapy can help repair relationships damaged by addiction and provide education and support to family members.
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: If co-occurring mental health disorders exist, integrated treatment simultaneously addresses addiction and underlying mental health issues.
• Relapse Prevention: Learning strategies to identify triggers, manage cravings, and prevent relapse is critical to addiction treatment.
• Holistic Approaches: Complementary therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, art therapy, and exercise can promote overall well-being and aid recovery.
• Naloxone Training: Individuals and their support networks are often trained in administering naloxone (Narcan) to reverse opioid overdoses in emergencies.

• Counseling and Therapy: Aftercare programs often include individual or group counseling sessions to address ongoing emotional and psychological challenges and provide a safe space for sharing experiences and insights.
• Support Groups: Participating in support groups, such as 12-step meetings (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous) or non-12-step alternatives, offers the chance to connect with others in recovery and receive encouragement, understanding, and a sense of community.
• Relapse Prevention: Aftercare programs focus on developing effective strategies for preventing relapse. This may involve learning coping skills, stress management techniques and identifying triggers and high-risk situations.
• Continued Education: Ongoing education about addiction, its effects, and relapse prevention strategies helps individuals stay informed and make informed choices.
• Life Skills Development: Programs often assist in building practical life skills such as budgeting, time management, and goal setting to support a successful and fulfilling life in recovery.
• Family Support: Involving family members and loved ones in aftercare can help mend relationships, improve communication, and create a supportive environment at home.
• Holistic Approaches: Some aftercare programs incorporate holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, exercise, and nutritional counseling to promote overall well-being.
• Monitoring and Accountability: Regular check-ins with counselors or mentors help individuals stay accountable and motivated while providing a safe space to discuss challenges and successes.

• Medication Management: Aftercare programs ensure proper medication management and ongoing medical support for those on medication-assisted treatment.
• Continuity of Care: Aftercare programs aim to bridge the gap between rehab and independent recovery by providing a structured transition and ongoing care plan.