SAMHSA issues Advisory to treatment community on the danger of heroin contaminated with fentanyl and what can be done to save lives

According to the advisory the origin of the fentanyl is unknown at this time.
Heroin is an extremely dangerous drug of abuse because it subjects its users to a wide array of risks such as overdose and increased exposure to Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. It often contains other ingredients which render it even more potentially harmful -- or in this case deadly.
SAMHSA’s advisory requests that treatment providers alert their patients and the greater community stakeholders to be alert to the increased risk of a fatal overdose. SAMHSA recently released an Opioid Overdose Toolkit containing information on recognizing and responding appropriately to overdose in a manner suitable to a variety of stakeholders. It can be read or downloaded at: http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Opioid-Overdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA13-4742.
The advisory also urges people dealing with heroin or other opioid problems to get treatment. Medication assisted treatment using FDA-approved treatments such as methadone, buprenorphine and extended release naltrexone can effectively treat heroin/opioid addictions and enable people to recover to healthy, productive lives. Those seeking treatment for opioid dependence can find help through SAMHSA’s Treatment Locator at: 800-662-HELP (4357) or online at: http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/index.aspx.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. |
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