Serenity Lane of Portland Oregon recently published a blog post discussing fentanyl exposure. As the oldest non-profit rehabilitation center in the state, they utilize their knowledge to help educate the community about substance use. With fentanyl use on the rise throughout not only Oregon but across the country, their recent post strives to address common questions regarding exposure to fentanyl.
To start the piece, the rehab center acknowledges how news and social media can often lead to misinformation and misconceptions regarding the exact dangers surrounding fentanyl. Sensationalized media pieces often lead to public confusion and panic about exactly what fentanyl is capable of doing to an individual. They want to ensure that people know about its true dangers instead of worrying about dangers that don’t exist.
“Being exposed to fentanyl unknowingly when not ingesting other substances is very uncommon.” Serenity Lane assures its readers. They are aware that fentanyl exposure isn’t impossible and follow up by explaining situations where exposure could occur. “It could happen at parties or bars, or when you’re around people who are actively participating in substance use… You might also encounter fentanyl if a loved one is actively using it and you find it. Law enforcement and first responders are more likely to come across fentanyl than the average person.”
Next, Serenity Lane explains the different ways someone might experience fentanyl exposure. The methods vary from breathing it in around others who are consuming it, to touching it on accident. “If you’re in a public place and think you might be near someone who is using fentanyl, you don’t have to worry about it impacting you. The contamination that might be on surfaces or in the air is not dense enough to impact those around the fentanyl.”
To address concerns about finding fentanyl in a private space, Serenity Lane offers tips. “If you’re able to avoid touching fentanyl, it is best to do so. You might accidentally encounter it at home one day if your loved one has some around the house. If you do encounter it in the home, and you have kids around, take extra precautions to ensure they don’t touch it, too... it’s important to not touch it. Don’t open any windows, either, as this could make the powder become airborne. If you get any on your clothes, you can use a non-alcoholic wet wipe to safely remove it before laundering.”
After offering a variety of warnings regarding the safe ways to handle finding fentanyl, Serenity Lane reassures its readers of their general safety if accidental exposure occurs. “There have been no confirmed cases of overdoses from touching fentanyl powder or pills. Even though fentanyl can be absorbed into the skin, generally speaking, it would have to be in contact with the skin for hours to have any effect.”
To learn more about fentanyl exposure and how to properly address it, readers are encouraged to check out the blog post. It offers further information and insights on specific situations and next steps that can be taken.
Serenity Lane has been helping people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of the programs they offer have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. They have also been the provider of the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.
People who would like to know more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane of Portland, Oregon can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
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For more information about Serenity Lane Portland East, contact the company here:
Serenity Lane Portland East
Stephanie Edwards
(503) 546-7677
info@serenitylane.org
12662 SE Stark, Plaza 125 Bldg. A.
Portland, OR, 97233
