Fentanyl is far more deadly than other opioids that came before it. And while many parents swear their child would never do drugs, teens do often use dangerous substances right under their parents’ noses. If you find out that your son is using, fentanyl addiction treatment for teens might help him get back on track. It might even save his life.
Unfortunately, some parents don’t learn about their child’s drug use until they suffer an overdose. It’s important to understand the signs of fentanyl overdose so you can get your child help if it happens.
If your teen is using fentanyl, there is a way out. Get in touch with our compassionate counselors at 828.519.5047 today.
5 Signs of Fentanyl Overdose in Teens
It’s extremely easy for teenagers to overdose on fentanyl without meaning to. This synthetic opioid is 50–100 times stronger than heroin. Traffickers often put it in other drugs as well, so it’s possible to take fentanyl without intending to. If you notice the following signs of an overdose, call 911 immediately:
1. Blue Lips and Fingernails
Large amounts of fentanyl get in the way of breathing and circulation. That might mean you see a bluish tint to their lips or fingernails. This tint is a sign of a life-threatening overdose, so obtaining medical treatment fast is an absolute must.
2. Pinpoint Pupils
Very small pupils are one of the better-known signs and symptoms of fentanyl overdose. That said, this effect can also occur when taking fentanyl even if the person isn’t overdosing.
3. Shallow Breathing
This is one of the telltale signs of fentanyl overdose in teens. When a person takes in large amounts of depressant drugs, it causes respiratory suppression, which means it becomes harder to breathe. They might take fast, shallow breaths to get enough air.
4. Confusion
If your teen has taken a large amount of fentanyl, they might start to become very confused. This is similar to what happens if someone drinks too much alcohol. Confusion often sets in shortly before a person loses consciousness. Thus, if you notice this sign, you need to act fast.
5. Lessened Awareness or Unconsciousness
This is one of the more severe signs of fentanyl overdose. The person might drift in and out of consciousness, or they might simply seem oblivious to everything going on around them. If they don’t get medical help in time, someone who is unfocused or disoriented might lose consciousness altogether.
What to Do if Your Teen Has Overdosed
If you notice some of these signs and symptoms of fentanyl overdose in your teen, do your best not to panic. If you have naloxone (often sold under the brand name Narcan) at home, administer it as soon as possible. If it turns out your teenager hasn’t taken fentanyl, Narcan will not harm them.
Whether you have Narcan on hand or not, call 911 immediately. Stay with your teen until medical help arrives. If they are still unconscious, turn them on their side. This helps make sure they don’t aspirate vomit if they throw up while unconscious.
It’s also important to know what not to do in the event of an overdose:
- Don’t put them in a cold bath or shower
- Don’t give them methamphetamine in an attempt to revive them
- Don’t try to make them vomit
- Don’t let them “sleep it off”
Your teenager will likely need to be transported to a hospital. Once they’re stable, help them find a treatment program.
Help Your Teen Start a New Life at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
When you are living with a substance use disorder, it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out. However, a specialized treatment center can help your teenager learn to go through life without the help of fentanyl and other substances. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, our experienced counselors are ready to help your child. Give us a call right now at 828.519.5047 or use our online contact form.
