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Tips for Looking After Your Health and Well-Being as a Foster Carer

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Fostering is a fantastic thing to do for a child or multiple children. It’s also an incredibly rewarding experience, with many benefits for you and your household. But living with children can be overwhelming, and foster children require lots of love, attention, and support. If you are a new foster carer, your own health and well-being might be things that get left behind as you try to give a child all of your attention. But if you want to care for someone else, you need to look after yourself. Here are some tips for looking after your health and well-being while you are fostering.

Make Time for Yourself

Life with children can be exhausting, and it’s hard to make time for yourself. But it’s essential that you do. Being able to exercise alone, fit in hobbies, and enjoy a little peace is crucial if you want to restore your energy, beat stress, and stay upbeat. When you are tired, make sure you prioritise time to yourself over things like household chores and don’t be scared to say no to other people and commitments if you need a break.

Enjoy Simple Pleasures

As much as you might crave a holiday or a trip to the spa, these kinds of breaks aren’t always possible when you are looking after children. So, you need to learn to enjoy simpler pleasures like a cup of coffee with a friend, reading a book before bed, or practising yoga. Try to do something for yourself every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.

Build a Support Network

Fostering is filled with challenges. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and upset by certain situations, and so as important as your family and friends are, you’ll need to socialise with other foster carers too. Use resources like thefca.co.uk and reach out to foster carers both online and in your local area.

Prioritise Nutrition

Good nutrition helps to boost your energy levels, protect your health, and even improve your mood and mental health. Make sure you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, and enjoying your favourite flavours even when you are busy.

Fit Exercise into Your Schedule

It can be hard to exercise when you have children at home, especially if they are young. But exercise will help you to stay fit and healthy, it will protect your mental health and reduce stress, and boost your confidence.

Try going for walks, bike rides and hikes with your foster child, and if you need more, try short home workouts when they are playing or in bed.

Get Lots of Rest

Rest is more important than ever when we’re busy and stressed out, or when we’ve taken on a new challenge. Make sure you are going to bed earlier and getting enough sleep and try to find time to rest when you can.

Taking care of yourself while you are fostering is essential. It will help you to be the best foster parent you can be while staying healthy and fighting stress.

Regaining Comfort and Functionality: Understanding the World of Dentures

Losing multiple teeth can be a distressing experience, impacting not only one’s appearance but also their ability to chew and speak comfortably. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a reliable solution in the form of dentures, which can restore both aesthetics and functionality to the mouth. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of dentures, exploring the types available, the process of getting fitted, adjusting to wearing dentures, and proper care and maintenance for longevity.

Types of Dentures Available

Dentures come in various types, each catering to specific needs and preferences:

  1. Full Dentures: Also known as complete dentures, these replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. They consist of a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums, with prosthetic teeth attached.
  1. Partial Dentures: These are recommended when some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base, connected by metal framework or clasps to neighboring teeth for stability.
  1. Implant-Supported Dentures: These are anchored in place by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. This option offers superior stability and prevents bone loss, as the implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots.

Each type of denture has its advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as the patient’s oral health, bone density, and personal preferences. A thorough consultation with a dentist can help determine the most suitable option.

Process of Getting Fitted for Dentures

Getting fitted for dentures typically involves several steps:

  1. Initial Consultation: The dentist conducts a comprehensive examination of the mouth, including X-rays and impressions, to assess the condition of the teeth and gums and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
  1. Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If any remaining natural teeth are damaged or decayed, they may need to be extracted before denture placement.
  1. Impressions: Precise impressions of the mouth are taken to create custom-fitted dentures that provide optimal comfort and functionality.
  1. Trial Fitting: Once the dentures are fabricated, the patient tries them on to ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and aesthetics.
  1. Final Placement: After any adjustments are made, the final dentures are placed in the mouth, and the dentist provides instructions on how to care for and maintain them.

Throughout the fitting process, communication between the patient and dentist is essential to address any concerns and ensure satisfaction with the final result.

Adjusting to Wearing Dentures and Overcoming Common Challenges

While dentures offer significant benefits, adjusting to wearing them can take time. Common challenges include:

  1. Initial Discomfort: It’s normal to experience some discomfort or soreness as the mouth adjusts to the presence of dentures. Over-the-counter pain relievers and frequent breaks from wearing dentures can help alleviate discomfort during the initial period.
  1. Difficulty Speaking: Pronunciation may be affected initially, but with practice and perseverance, most people adapt and regain their ability to speak clearly.
  1. Changes in Eating Habits: Eating with dentures may require some adjustments, such as starting with soft foods and gradually reintroducing harder textures. Chewing evenly on both sides of the mouth can help maintain stability.
  1. Loose Dentures: Over time, changes in the jawbone and gum tissue can cause dentures to become loose. This can be addressed with adjustments or relining by a dentist to ensure a snug fit.

Patience and persistence are key to overcoming these challenges, and regular follow-up appointments with the dentist are essential for monitoring the fit and function of dentures.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Dentures for Longevity

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of dentures, proper care and maintenance are crucial:

  1. Daily Cleaning: It should be brushed daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh toothpaste, as these can damage the denture material.
  1. Soaking: It should be soaked in a denture cleaning solution or water overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
  1. Handle with Care: When handling dentures, it’s important to do so over a soft surface, such as a folded towel, to prevent damage if they’re accidentally dropped.
  1. Regular Check-ups: Routine dental visits are essential for assessing the fit of dentures, addressing any issues promptly, and ensuring overall oral health.

By following these care guidelines and maintaining regular dental appointments, individuals can enjoy the benefits of their dentures for years to come.

In conclusion

Dentures offer a reliable solution for individuals missing multiple teeth, restoring both comfort and functionality to the mouth.

With various types available to suit different needs. A personalized fitting process, proper care and maintenance, it can significantly improve quality of life for those experiencing tooth loss.

By understanding the world of dentures and working closely with a trusted dentist, individuals can regain confidence in their smiles and enjoy life to the fullest.

The Importance Of Regular Dental Check-Ups

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Regular dental check-ups offer more than just smile protection. A dentist in Houston conducts comprehensive oral examinations, ensuring your overall wellness is safeguarded. By attending these check-ups regularly, potential issues such as gum infections can be detected in their early stages, allowing for simpler and more effective treatment.

Check-ups involve removing plaque and addressing missed areas during brushing, which helps prevent diseases. Dentists also offer customized homecare guidance for trouble areas. Beyond scanning for cavities, they screen tissues and gums for anomalies hinting at other health issues manifesting orally. Prioritizing these routine visits means dedicating to lifelong health through preventative oral care.

Assessing Overall Health

Good dental health mirrors overall physical health and wellness. Houston check-ups help detect subtly developing issues like early-stage gum infection or oral cancer before they have a chance to worsen silently. Treating these problems very early on reduces patient discomfort and may halt systemic full-body conditions down the road. Comprehensive exams protect the whole patient – both teeth and body.

A Thorough Evaluation

Check-ups involve a complete assessment of a patient’s oral health. A Dentist in Houston thoroughly hunts for cavities and tooth decay but also carefully screens the surrounding tissues, gums, and sensitive mouth areas for any visual anomalies that could indicate developing underlying conditions. Moreover, removing any accumulated tartar or hardened plaque buildup supports gum defense against excruciating disease. This complete full-mouth health perspective allows dentists to guide each patient on optimizing their daily dental hygiene routine for trouble areas.

The Power of Prevention

The wise proverb “prevention overtakes cure” strongly applies to dental health. Routine dentist visits enable the early identification and intervention of decay or hazardous infection before they have a chance to silently advance beyond the point of no return – becoming much more painful issues, often requiring emotionally and financially complex treatments down the line. Simply prioritizing preventative check-ups demonstrates a commitment to daily oral wellness rather than reactively addressing dental emergencies.

Cultivating Positivity

Proactively scheduling thorough check-ups shows dedication to self-care. In Houston’s hectic, fast-paced environment, these brief dental health moments allow busy individuals to pause and foster overall mind-body well-being. Looking beyond just scanning for problems, check-ups also refresh and rejuvenate patients through professional cleanings while additionally providing personalized and attentive homecare advice targeted to each person’s unique trouble areas. Reframing dental visits as positive preventative health investments eases stress while comprehensively enriching health.

Conclusion

By regularly visiting dentists in Houston, individuals prioritize their self-care and take proactive measures to address minor dental issues before they escalate into more severe health problems in the future. These routine check-ups not only protect teeth but also have a significant impact on overall mind and body health throughout one’s lifetime. Through early detection of issues, thorough cleanings to remove tartar, and personalized dental care advice given by attentive dentists, comprehensive check-ups contribute to promoting optimal health.

Regular preventative appointments with a trusted dentist in Houston are not only about ensuring lifelong oral wellness but also about promoting overall health and happiness. In addition to identifying any potential issues, these appointments rejuvenate the spirit through thorough cleanings and educational guidance. A dependable dentist in Houston works hand in hand with patients to maintain their well-being by proactively identifying problems early on, providing hygiene support, and helping patients view dental care as a positive and essential aspect of a well-rounded lifestyle.

Five Natural Ways to Boost Mental Health Without Medication

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Mental Health Without Medication: Maintaining good mental health is essential for overall well-being. The demands of work, relationships, and other daily responsibilities can take their toll on our physical and psychological health, making it crucial to find practical, natural ways to give our mental health a boost. While medication is a valuable option for some, some alternatives can contribute to mental well-being without the need for pharmaceuticals. This article will explore five tried and tested methods for improving mood.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is scientifically proven to benefit your physical health and help maintain a robust mental well-being. Consistent physical activity is linked to the reduction in symptoms associated with anxiety and depression through the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones.

You don’t need to perform workouts usually reserved for athletes featured on the best online sportsbook for exercise to be beneficial. Incorporating 30 minutes of moderate activity across most days of the week can significantly impact physical and mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, enjoying a brisk walk, jogging, and yoga have been shown to have positive impacts on mood and stress levels.

Furthermore, regular exercise contributes to increased self-esteem, improved sleep, and enhanced cognitive function over time. Those three positives alone help promote a healthier mind.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is an accessible yet powerful tool for those seeking to improve their mental health. Research shows mindful meditation can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. The practice involves focusing on the present moment, usually through controlled breathing or guided sessions.

Cultivating an awareness of your thoughts and feelings without judgment can help you develop stronger emotional resilience and lead to a heightened state of awareness, enabling individuals to navigate and overcome challenges they face with a much calmer mindset.

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine is simple because it doesn’t require any specialist equipment; it can be as simple as focusing on your breathing, actively listening to your surroundings, or appreciating the sights and smells around you at any given time.

Balanced Nutrition

There has long been a link between what we eat and our mental well-being, hence the saying, “You are what you eat.” Hundreds, if not thousands of studies, including those performed by scientists at Harvard University, have shown the vital role nutrition plays in humans’ mental health. Incorporating various foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, provides essential nutrients that support brain function.

Fatty fish and flaxseed contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with reducing the risk of depression. Such essential fats are pivotal to brain health, helping improve neurotransmitter function and helping to regulate a person’s mood.

The overall quality of your diet matters; it isn’t just a case of popping a multivitamin pill twice a day and then eating whatever you want. Your body needs carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, in addition to vitamins and minerals, to function correctly. The excessive consumption of refined sugars, other processed foods, and caffeine can play havoc with your energy levels, resulting in a more unbalanced emotional state.

Adequate, Quality Sleep

Adequate, Quality Sleep

The National Institute of Mental Health recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night. That number was not simply plucked out of thin air; there are scientific reasons behind it. Quality sleep is the cornerstone of good mental health; its importance cannot be underestimated.

The brain undergoes essential processes during our sleep cycles. Some of those processes regulate emotions, repair tissues, and consolidate memories. There are three main sleep stages: light, REM, and deep. All play a crucial role in our mental and physical state. Getting too much or not enough of a specific stage can significantly harm a person.

Humans tend to spend most of their time in light sleep. Light sleep is shown to promote mental and physical restoration. REM, or Rapid Eye Movement, sleep typically occurs later at night and is vital for memory and mood. During REM sleep, your dreams are more vivid, and your heart rate and breathing increase. Deep sleep helps with physical recovery and aspects of learning and memory. If you awaken feeling refreshed, you likely spent a decent amount of time in deep sleep.

Promote quality sleep by adhering to a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting screen exposure before bedtime.

Social Connection

Humans are social creatures at heart, and we thrive when we have the support of others. Engaging in positive relationships, whether with friends, family, a partner, or a supportive community, builds social bonds, makes us feel less isolated, and feels like we can take on any challenge or task.

Share your experiences, thoughts, and emotions with others, and you will soon find you have a strong sense of belonging and will quickly realize that you are not alone and that many others have the same stresses and worries in their lives. This, in turn, helps create an emotional support network that helps combat stress and increases our ability to cope with the challenges life throws our way.

Conclusion

The stresses and strains of everyday life can feel unbearable if you are not in the right mindset to tackle them. Nobody is always full of the joys of spring, and everyone will suffer from low mood at some stage. That said, this article shows five steps you can take to help improve your mental well-being and arm you with the tools required to stay on top of things when the going gets tough.

Combining regular exercise with a balanced, nutritional diet can work wonders on the human psyche. If you neglect a machine by not using premium fuels and not keeping up with its maintenance schedule, it will ultimately break down. Your body and mind are similar; they require fuel and servicing, and your food intake and exercise regimes provide that.

Mindfulness meditation can enhance emotional resilience, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges. It can also lead to higher quality sleep, the backbone of every healthy mind.

Lastly, staying connected with loved ones and like-minded people provides a sense of belonging and a supportive network when times become tough. Your body and mind will thank you for cultivating a holistic approach to mental wellness by helping you lead a more fulfilling life.

5 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Using Organic CBD Products

Organic CBD Products: Are you struggling with constant body pain, anxiety, or acne? The world is constantly busy finding cures to the new health issues we are facing every day. Be it covid-19 or regular health issues like body pain, who doesn’t want a natural cure without any side effects? Let us talk about Cannabidiol when it comes to natural remedies.

What is Cannabidiol or CBD?

Cannabidiol is a very popular natural remedy used to cure many common health issues. Also called CBD, it remain one of over a hundred chemical compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.

According to research, the global CBD oil and CBD consumer health market size are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25.6 percent from 2020 to 2027.

CBD oil is an extract from the same cannabis plant diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. This oil has made a huge impact on the health and wellness of the world validated by scientific studies. CBD oil contains low levels of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is actually responsible for creating intoxicating effects of getting ‘high’ in a person.

So, let us understand a few amazing health benefits of using organic CBD products which is surely going to astonish you.

1. Relief from Pain and Inflammation

Researchers have confirmed the pain-relieving effects of CBD. But this remedy takes you back to 2900 B.C. when marijuana remain used to treat pain. Is our generation actually going back to the old ages of civilization for modern common ailments?

Sativex is an oral spray that is a combination of THC and CBD has been approved by many countries to treat multiple sclerosis-related pains. After research of 47 people, it was concluded that people showed improvements in pain, walking, and muscle spasms.

2. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

We live in a world that struggles to fight anxiety and depression every day. It has become such a common mental health disorder that it has started having devastating impacts on the health and well-being of the world. CBD acts on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood and social behavior.

Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, this natural remedy, CBD oil does not have side effects in the form of drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache. CBD oil has also been reported to have safely treated insomnia and anxiety in children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

3. Reduces Cancer-Related Symptoms

According to the research of 177 people, it remain established that an extract containing CBD and THC have a significant reduction in cancer-related pain. In addition to this, CBD can help reduce nausea and vomiting which is a very common side effect of chemotherapy of cancer.

A test-tube study established that concentrated CBD can help in the death of human breast cancer cells. Though this is a test-tube study, studies are still in progress about what will be the result in a normal human body.

4. Reduces Acne

Are you tired of trying several remedies to cure your acne but with no success? Well, we might have something good for you. Acne affects more than 9 percent of the population which remain caused by several factors including genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation, and the overproduction of oil in the skin.

Recent scientific studies suggest that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat acne and also reduce oily skin. In addition to it, certain cannabinoids have anti-itch and anti-aging properties too.

5. Health benefits for your Heart

Do you have anyone in your family suffering from heart diseases or high blood pressure? CBD has amazing effects on your heart and circulatory system like the ability to lower one’s high blood pressure. Basically, it is the anti-stress and anti-anxiety reducing properties of CBD which helps in lowering blood pressure.

Animal studies suggest that CBD has the ability to reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-stress properties.

Over to you…

So, now you know some amazing and less-talked benefits of organic CBD products. Are you or anyone you know suffering from one of the above-mentioned problems? If you just nodded your head, CBD oil is what you need.

5 Tips for Choosing The Right Pediatric Dentist

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Pediatric Dentist: Oral care is one of the most important aspects of your overall health and well-being. As a result, dental care is something that should be sought after at a young age, not only to ensure good oral hygiene in our childhood but also to establish a lifetime of good habits. Positive experiences during childhood make forming a routine that lasts into adulthood much more easy.

The key to having this kind of experience is to choose the right pediatric dentist Bakersfield to care for your child. There are several things you can look for to help you make the right choice. In today’s article, we will offer 5 helpful tips for finding a top-notch pediatric dentist.

  1. A Child-Friendly Atmosphere

The environment of the office you take your child to will have a significant impact on their perception of dental care. A friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it a place where your child can feel comfortable and ease into the less fun parts of the visit.

Playful décor, bright, vibrant colors, and child-friendly items such as toys, games, and books are a good start. This type of atmosphere helps to reduce the child’s anxiety, shaping a more positive experience.

  1. A Qualified Staff with Specialized Experience/Training

Providing dental care to children is a unique and sometimes challenging experience. Dentists who specialize in this field need additional training and education beyond that of adult practitioners.

They must have the patience and understanding to deal with children, while also being familiar with and practicing behavior management techniques to help the child endure the process.

  1. Preventative Care Strategy

It’s also beneficial to find a pediatric dentist Bakersfield who emphasizes a preventative approach to child dental health. This includes such things as regular checkups and cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments.

Look for one that not only provides these services but also takes the time to educate you and your child about the importance of proper oral hygiene.

  1. Emergency Care Services

Let’s face it; kids get into all kinds of accidents, scrapes and breaks, tumbles and falls. Between sports, running around, or doing something incredibly foolish, any child can have a dental emergency at any time. If that happens, you don’t want to be going to an emergency dentist that neither you nor your child is familiar with.

  1. Clear and Effective Communication

Finally, a quality pediatric dental provider should take the time to explain procedures in an age-appropriate and patient manner. They should also be empathetic listeners, making sure they understand and address any questions or concerns you might have.

Searching for The Right Pediatric Dentist Bakersfield

Much like lawyers and auto mechanics, searching for a dentist online or in the phone book will likely return numerous results. Finding the right one will take a little bit of effort. You may even have to try out a few before you settle on the one best suited for your child.

Regardless, the most important thing is that you get your young ones started on the road to lifelong dental health as early as possible.

Safely Navigating the World of Online Prescription Medication

Buying prescription medication online can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Still, it’s important to be careful and research to ensure that you get safe and effective medications from a reputable source. Knowing which websites are trustworthy and which ones to avoid can be difficult with the rise of online pharmacies.

This blog post will provide tips on safely purchasing prescription medication online, including using discount coupons and ensuring you are getting the best deal for your money.

We will also provide information on how to check the website’s credentials, compare prices, review the prescription requirements, look for customer reviews, be aware of the return policy, check the shipping and delivery options, and understand the privacy policy.

By following these tips, you can feel confident in your purchase and save money on your prescription medication costs.

Check the website’s credentials: Before making a purchase, make sure the website is a legitimate online pharmacy. Look for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal, which indicates that the website has been vetted by the NABP and meets certain standards for online pharmacies. You can also check the website’s credentials through the FDA’s BeSafeRx program.

Compare prices: Online pharmacies may offer more competitive prices than brick-and-mortar pharmacies, but it’s still important to shop around and compare prices. Remember that some websites may offer lower prices but charge more for shipping and handling. Also, be careful of websites offering prices significantly lower than the competition, as this may signify that the medications are counterfeit or expired.

Review the prescription requirements: Some online pharmacies require a valid prescription from your healthcare provider, while others may allow you to fill a prescription online after completing a questionnaire. Be aware that filling a prescription online without a valid prescription from a healthcare provider is illegal, and the medications you receive may not be safe or effective.

Use Discount Coupons: One great tip to save money on your prescription medication is to look for discount coupons, such as a Trulicity coupon. A Trulicity coupon can be found on the official website or other online platforms, such as The RX Advocates, which provides discounts on various medications. These coupons can help you save money on your prescription medication costs.

Look for customer reviews: Before making a purchase, look for customer reviews of the website and the medications you are interested in. This can give you an idea of the service quality and the medications’ effectiveness. Be cautious of websites with only positive reviews, as these may be fake.

Be aware of the return policy: Make sure you understand the website’s return policy before making a purchase. Some online pharmacies may not accept returns or exchanges for medications, while others may have strict guidelines for returning or exchanging medications.

Check the shipping and delivery options: Ensure the website offers safe and reliable shipping and delivery options and understand the estimated delivery time. Also, make sure you understand the website’s policy on shipping medication internationally.

Be aware of the privacy policy: Before purchasing, understand the website’s privacy policy and how your personal information will be used and protected.

In conclusion, buying prescription medication online can be convenient and cost-effective. Still, it’s important to be careful and research to ensure that you get safe and effective medications from a reputable source. By following these tips and using discount coupons like a Trulicity coupon, you can save money on your prescription medication costs and feel confident in your purchase.

Fentanyl Abuse: Understanding the Importance of Harm Reduction

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Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid. While this substance is similar to morphine, it is between 50 to 100 times stronger. Fentanyl is used in medical settings to treat severe cases of pain, usually after surgery or during advanced-stage cancers.

While prescription fentanyl is effective in helping people cope with pain, this substance has made its way into the illicit drug trade. Unfortunately, illicit drug manufacturers are creating fentanyl on their own, causing the dosages and potency of the substance to be unpredictable. Additionally, many drug dealers use fentanyl as a cutting agent to increase their profit and intensify their client’s addiction to their products.

This has led to alarming numbers of fatal fentanyl overdoses, contributing to the current opioid epidemic in America. According to the National Institute of Health, “Deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily fentanyl) continued to rise with 70,601 overdose deaths reported in 2021.”

With that being said, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of fentanyl abuse and how harm reduction can help save lives.

What is the Difference Between Illicit and Pharmaceutical Fentanyl?

There are two different types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Both substances are considered synthetic opioids, however, there are some important differences to be aware of.

If you were to go to the hospital for serious surgery, your doctor may provide you with fentanyl to cope with the pain afterward. Additionally, people experiencing pain from advanced-stage cancer might be provided with fentanyl, as they might be tolerant of less potent forms of opioid pain-relievers. This is considered pharmaceutical fentanyl and is safe to consume under the supervision of a medical professional.

On the other hand, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is not FDA-approved. In other words, this version of fentanyl is not manufactured by professionals or evaluated for safety, making it difficult to determine the potency of the substance. IMF is the type of fentanyl you have probably heard about on the news in regard to the opioid epidemic, laced drugs, and rising rates of overdoses.

The Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 150 people die regularly from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Because fentanyl is commonly used to increase the potency of other substances like heroin, various pills, and even cocaine, it is important for anyone suffering from drug addiction to be aware of the signs of a fentanyl overdose.

The symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:

  • Small, pinpointed pupils
  • Falling asleep suddenly or losing consciousness (nodding off)
  • Slowed, weak, or no breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sounds (death rattle)
  • Limpness of the body
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Bluish lips and fingertips

Fentanyl overdoses are life-threatening, often resulting in death without swift medical intervention. If you notice that someone is displaying the signs of an overdose, do not hesitate to contact emergency medical services.

What to Do When Someone is Overdosing on Fentanyl

Unfortunately, it might be difficult to determine if someone is overdosing and what substance they have taken. Due to this, if you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, the first thing you should do is contact 911. Thankfully, there are laws in place to protect people from being charged with drug possession in the event of an overdose, so there is no need to worry about facing criminal charges.

After you call emergency medical services, you should administer Narcan (naloxone) if it is available to you. Narcan is an opioid overdose reversal medication, meaning it can prevent someone from dying in the event of an opioid overdose. Even if you are unsure whether the person is overdosing on an opioid, you can administer naloxone as it will not produce adverse effects.

After naloxone is administered, make sure that the person is awake and breathing. It is also important to ensure that they are lying on their side to prevent them from choking on vomit. Despite some reports, you cannot overdose by touching fentanyl, as IMF is not absorbed through the skin. This means it is safe to provide rescue breathing if necessary.

Lastly, even if you provided naloxone and the individual is responding well, they must receive medical attention as this medication can cause them to experience immediate symptoms of withdrawal. Additionally, if they overdosed on an extended-release opioid, they could begin to experience symptoms of an overdose later on. This is why it is essential to ensure that the individual is receiving medical attention.

How Harm Reduction Can Reduce the Overdose Rates

Harm reduction is a set of principles and strategies designed to reduce the negative consequences of substance abuse. This approach is intended to offer support to people suffering from addiction, rather than charging them criminally.

People who work in harm reduction often provide their communities with access to clean needles, straws, and smoking devices to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases like HIV or Hepatitis. Even further, harm reduction programs hand out fentanyl testing strips, doses of Narcan, and resources for substance abuse treatment or mental health assistance.

As per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction provides the following benefits:

  • Connects individuals to overdose education, counseling, and referrals to addiction, mental health, or medical treatment
  • Distributes overdose reversal medication to people at risk of experiencing or witnessing overdoses
  • Reduces the risk of infectious diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Reduces overdose deaths by providing access to resources and education
  • Reduces the stigma associated with substance abuse and mental illness
  • Promotes health and healing rather than incarceration and re-offending

Finding Help for Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

If you or a dear one suffers from fentanyl addiction, attending drug rehab is a must. Even abusing this substance one time could cause you to experience a fatal overdose. Because of the risks involved with fentanyl abuse, receiving professional help is of the utmost importance.

During rehab, you will have access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), medical detox, evidence-based behavioral therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning. In other words, drug addiction treatment programs can provide you with the education, support, and evidence-based treatment you need to maintain long-term recovery.

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