Carfentanil Detox In Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Dangers of Carfentanil

Both illegally-made fentanyl and carfentanil are extremely dangerous. Consequently, they can lead to quick overdose and death. However, carfentanil is much more potent than fentanyl. Because of this, multiple doses of the anti-overdose medication naloxone (Narcan) may not be effective. As a matter of fact, in some cases, the naloxone dose may wear off before the carfentanil dose, leading to an overdose again.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 56,000 deaths occurred in the United States from synthetic opioids (not including methadone). Additionally, synthetic opioid-involved death rates increased by 56% from 2019 to 2020. Furthermore, this accounted for 86% of all opioid-involved deaths in 2020. There is concern that these rates may not be conclusive as lab analyses that can detect trace amounts of carfentanil are not always performed. 

A lethal dose of carfentanil can kill quickly, usually due to respiratory failure. To further complicate matters, it can be difficult for first responders and medical personnel to recognize or detect carfentanil as the substance involved. Carfentanil crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) rapidly which can lead to a lethal dose in as little as a minute. In fact, a user may lose consciousness while administering the drug.

Signs of carfentanil overdose are similar to other opioid toxicity and overdose including:

• Pin-point pupils
• Shallow breathing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Weak pulse
• Cold and clammy skin
• Unconsciousness
• Cyanosis (skin turning blue)
• Heart failure
• Coma
• Death

What Happens at Carfentanil Detox Near Fort Lauderdale?

Anyone seeking carfentanil detox near Fort Lauderdale should do so at a medically-supervised detox facility. At Retreat of Broward, our addiction specialists begin by giving each client a thorough physical and mental assessment. Accordingly, this allows us to put together a detailed individualized treatment plan based on a client’s specific needs. 

Using illicit drugs that contain carfentanil may increase dependence, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. However, because carfentanil is closely related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, the detox and timeline are similar. At our detox facility, we are committed to helping people get through the detox process safely and comfortably. Therefore, this may involve administering FDA-approved medications to lessen or sometimes prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Common Synthetic Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

• Fever and chills
• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• High blood pressure and heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Runny nose
• Insomnia