FDOH issues public safety alert: Fentanyl kills

Services are available to help with addiction

Posted 9/22/22

The State of Florida is responding to an increase in fentanyl overdoses. All Floridians are advised...

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FDOH issues public safety alert: Fentanyl kills

Services are available to help with addiction

Posted

The State of Florida is responding to an increase in fentanyl overdoses. All Floridians are advised to remain vigilant of current public risk. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

The following are signs of an overdose:
• Small, constricted pinpoint pupils.
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness.
• Slow, weak, or not breathing.
• Chocking or gurgling sounds.
• Cold and/or clammy skin.
• Discolored skin, especially lips and nails.

What to eo
1. Call 911 immediately.

2. Administer naloxone, if available.
3. Lay the person on their side to prevent chocking.
5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

Where to find Naloxone
If you or your organization are interested in obtaining or managing Naloxone for the community, please visit isavefl.com.

Getting help with substance abuse

Life saving interventions are available to treat opioid addiction, including Medication Assisted Treatment. This treatment helps to curb cravings for the substances which reduces the likelihood overdose.

Florida’s available services

Research indicates that people who receive subsance abuse treatment have better outcomes like longer recovery, reduced use, fewer arrests, better family life, employment, increased earnings, and better health

• Medication Assisted Treatment: Clinically-driven treatment with a focus on individualized patient care. Medications available include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

• Residential Treatment: Structured, non-hospital set treatment with staff supervision 24/7. Multiple levels of care based on individual. Services include assessment, rehabilitation, social and educational programs and medication management.

• Primary Substance Abuse Prevention: Primary prevention programs aim to prevent, delay, or reduce substance abuse. Providers and community coalitions provide prevention services in their communities and schools through information dissemination, education, recreational activities, and referrals to services.

• Recovery Support: Support offered during and following treatment to help maintain their recovery. These services include transitional housing, life skills training, parenting skills, and peer-based group counseling.

• Overdose Prevention: These programs aim to reduce opioid overdose deaths by increasing access to free Naloxone kits to people most likely to experience or witness an overdose. Programs include overdose recognition training and response.

• Detoxification: Services that utilize medical procedures to assist in withdrawal from the physiological and psychological effects of substance abuse. Detoxification services may occur in a residential or outpatient setting.

To find ways to access mental health and substance abuse help at: HopeForHealingFL.com.

Find quick medication assisted treatment option, Narcan access, and treatment provider options at: isavefl.com.

Find help through community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits, and government entities at: HopeFlorida.com.

fentanyl, overdose, naloxone, substance abuse, help, services, addiction

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