MAT improves treatment retention and lowers the risk of fatal overdose. Yes, the fentanyl fold is a visible sign of an opioid overdose in progress. While this position might appear like someone is simply asleep or unconscious, it’s typically the result of the central nervous system being severely depressed. People get “fentanyl fentanyl fold bent over” or “fent lean” due to fentanyl’s powerful effects on the central nervous system, causing profound sedation and muscle weakness.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases to prevent fatal outcomes.
- You can protect yourself before it’s too late by getting professional addiction treatment right away.
- Communities are now working to find ways to help people with addiction rather than just ignoring or criticizing them.
- However, the amount of time it remains effective depends on the individual.
Creating a Recovery-Supportive Environment
Research has not yet pinpointed what exactly causes the fenty fold, as fentanyl use is not known to directly affect the spine. Instead, it’s becoming clear that it is a neuromuscular side effect of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl should only be prescribed by doctors who are Sober living home experienced in treating pain in cancer patients.
Overdose
Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. Fentanyl buccal and sublingual products have been discontinued in the US.
Why the Fold Shouldn’t Be Normalized Among The Public and Fentanyl Users
- Throw the remaining fentanyl packaging or cartons into a trash container; do not flush these items down the toilet.
- Helping someone with opioid addiction starts with understanding that addiction is a medical condition, not a choice.
- People can and do recover from fentanyl addiction when they receive comprehensive treatment that addresses the unique challenges this substance presents.
If they become unconscious, place them in the recovery position on their side to prevent choking. The fold position isn’t voluntary or comfortable — it represents the body’s response to fentanyl’s overwhelming impact on neurological function. Individuals in this state often cannot respond normally to verbal commands or physical touch, even though they may appear awake.
The Path to Recovery
There are two types of fentanyl – pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. If you suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl, call 911 immediately. Many people worry that calling emergency services for someone taking an illegal drug will get them in trouble, but this is not true. Many states have laws that protect not only the person who calls for help, but also the person overdosing from legal trouble. Fentanyl acts like many other opioids such as morphine and heroin.
Warning Signs of Fentanyl Consumption Parents Should Know
Without realizing it, you stop responding to pain, imbalance, or breathing difficulty. Many users don’t remember the episode afterward, highlighting the drug’s impact on consciousness. Someone experiencing the fentanyl fold often appears unnaturally frozen in a slumped or hunched position, sometimes still standing.
