What is the ‘fentanyl fold’? How overdoses are treated in Arizona

Nodding off is a physical condition that is a direct result of the depressant effect Fentanyl has on the human body’s central nervous system. People will also display a rocking or teetering motion as they struggle to regain balance, this motion reflects the bodies inability to stay alert while under the influence of Fentanyl. These people were prescribed opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone for legitimate pain and turned to fentanyl when they could no longer obtain their prescriptions. While jarring to witness, the fenty fold has become a sad yet common phenomenon in cities like San Francisco and Baltimore, where fentanyl use has grown rampant alongside the growing nationwide trend. Because the drug is less expensive https://novacamera.vn/how-much-time-will-i-be-in-rehab-fhe-health/ than other opioids, people making it illegally commonly mix it into drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines. If you buy drugs illegally, there is a chance fentanyl can be in them.

Is The Fentanyl Lean An Indication Of Overdose?

• Understanding why this occurs sheds light on the severe impact of fentanyl on the central nervous system and highlights the urgent need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
• Because fentanyl is so strong, it takes only a small dose of the drug to cause death.

Motor Function refers to our ability to control our bodies movement, like walking, reaching and grabbing an item, and simply standing upright. Most of the time we see individuals “Folding” or “Bending” forward (as if they are hunched over), but sometimes people may start to “Lean” backwards. This is why some other forms of abused opiates that are normally mixed into drinks, are sometimes referred to as “Lean”. This involuntary bending or folding forward, and sometimes backwards is the physical evidence of the potent sedative effects that Fentanyl will cause.

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offer more hours of care per week and are used as a step-down from inpatient treatment.
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• The drug can cause significant respiratory depression, leading to dizziness and lightheadedness.
• These signs mean their body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can lead to brain damage or death if not treated promptly.
• Another medication, lofexidine, has been approved for treatment of withdrawal symptoms.34  See “Medications for Opioid Use Disorder” for more information.

The Vicious Grip of Addiction: A Life Controlled

In San Francisco, for example, over 800 people died from overdoses in 2023 alone. Many of these cases involved fentanyl, and many of the victims were seen folding or slumping before collapsing completely. Recovery Guide LLC does not endorse any treatment provider, and we do not guarantee the quality of care, fentanyl fold outcomes, or results from any treatment program listed or advertised on our site. All information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. With support and treatment, people can recover from fentanyl addiction and live happily, fulfilling lives.

People Ask Today

Through holistic opioid addiction treatment, Lumina Recovery is ready to help you or a loved one at any step of the healing process from medically assisted detox to aftercare, and everything in between. The emergency and referral resources listed above are available to individuals located in the United States and are not operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation. Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation. Immediate action is necessary if someone exhibits signs of a fentanyl overdose.

Public Health

As you progress through treatment, we will adjust your plan to align with your changing needs. The Chronicle spoke to fentanyl users and medical professionals in an effort to better understand this particular effect of fentanyl use. He says fentanyl in long-term users takes time to clear out of the system because the drug tends to accumulate in the fat tissue. But the effects of the opioid continue to linger on as the person continues with their daily life, in most cases awake but not able to stand up straight.

What’s The “Fenty Fold” And Why Does It Happen To Fentanyl Users?

While waiting for emergency services, try to keep the person awake and breathing. Speak loudly to them, tap their shoulders firmly and try to position them to keep airways open. 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.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose

Among Arizonans, it’s become the deadliest drug, the county’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Jeff Johnston, emphasized. Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today. Fentanyl abuse isn’t the only opioid that can cause the awkward body reaction, Ciccarone said. The “fentanyl fold” effect can reportedly kick in within two or three minutes after taking the drug, Ciccarone said.

Older Black men are disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis

Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking intensive outpatient care or simply need guidance on your drug addiction journey, we are here to help. While more research is needed on the causes of fentanyl fold, it is clear that it is an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side-effect of fentanyl use. When we stop seeing these images as strange or funny and start seeing them as symptoms of a medical emergency, we move toward compassion, awareness, and solutions. If you see someone exhibiting these signs—especially in the folded over position—call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Explore our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Fentanyl Overdose

Clearly state that someone is unresponsive and not breathing, providing the exact location. It remains a prevalent problem in both the state and Alcoholics Anonymous across the nation, as two out of three overdose deaths in the U.S. are a result of opioid use, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. Arizona has been battling the epidemic of opioid overdoses since 2017, when former Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency. Communities must also respond with expanded access to naloxone, education about fentanyl’s dangers and readily available treatment options. The scope of the fentanyl crisis requires coordinated community-wide responses that prioritize immediate access to life-saving interventions.