Buildup of fentanyl residue on shared pipes poses overdose risk
Smoking fentanyl has become the primary method of ingesting the illicit drug, surpassing injection. While this shift may seem innocuous, it has introduced a new and potentially deadly hazard: the accumulation of fentanyl residue on shared smoking equipment.
Shared devices, heightened risks
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have likened the risk of overdose from sharing smoking devices contaminated with fentanyl resin to the risk of HIV transmission through shared injection paraphernalia. The potency of fentanyl makes it extremely dangerous, as even small amounts can be fatal.
In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, the UCSF team conducted interviews with 34 fentanyl users in San Francisco. They discovered that most users were aware of the buildup of fentanyl residue and the associated overdose risk. However, they often shared equipment to promote social interaction and mutual protection against overdose.
One respondent vehemently refused to lend a glass pipe to a stranger because it had been used for fentanyl. The researcher noted that smoked fentanyl and methamphetamine residues look similar, and equipment is often shared between users of both drugs.
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Overcoming the mismatch
The overdose risk arises when the potency of the residual fentanyl mismatches the tolerance of the person using the equipment. An individual naive to fentanyl could use equipment laden with toxic residues, potentially leading to a fatal overdose.
Dr. David Ciccarone, professor of addiction medicine at UCSF, emphasizes the need for increased outreach to educate users about the risks and potential interventions. These include pacing use, understanding dosages, and checking the tolerance of those who may be exposed to residual fentanyl.
Understanding the risks
The rise of smoking fentanyl has brought with it a new and serious risk for overdose. Sharing smoking equipment can lead to the accumulation of fentanyl residues, which can be deadly to those who are not aware of the risks or have low tolerance to the drug.
Educating users about these risks and promoting responsible use can help prevent overdoses and save lives.
For more information on fentanyl, visit the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl.
also read:How Does Smoking Fentanyl Affect the Brain Compared to Other Methods of Consumption?
Mehek 
Divya