With the recent development of a new fentanyl vaccine, researchers say that it could have the potential to block fentanyl from entering the brain. Now that this innovative research has been released to the public, people are wondering if this new vaccine could have the ability to revolutionize the opioid crisis.
The opioid crisis has been a major public health issue for more than two decades now. In the United States alone, every single day there are over 150 people who die from an overdose of fentanyl, as well as, other harmful synthetic opioids. In response, scientists have been searching for ways to combat this devastating epidemic. Both doctors and people who have been affected by the plight of the opioid epidemic have hope that this promising treatment that has recently emerged could decrease, if not diminish the negative impacts of fentanyl. This new vaccine could potentially revolutionize the way we approach treating opioid addiction and overdose.
While there are treatment options available for individuals that are addicted to fentanyl and other opioids, the relapse rate still seems to be extremely high. According to recent studies, people who suffer from Opioid Use Disorder, or OUD, are able to receive treatment for their disorder, but an estimated 80% of those who are dependent on the drug end up relapsing. In this blog post, we will do a deep dive into this new fentanyl vaccine; covering what it is exactly, how it works, and what the potential impact may be for those looking for alternative addiction treatment methods.
What is a Fentanyl Vaccine?
A fentanyl vaccine is an innovative type of addiction treatment method that is designed to induce anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to the drug when it is taken in order to prevent its effects from taking hold. When an individual receives the fentanyl vaccine, the euphoric effects that they often feel after taking the drug and which also cause their addiction to fentanyl to be so severe and debilitating, are blocked by the brain and are no longer felt.
This means that when someone takes fentanyl after receiving the vaccine, their body will not be able to feel or process its effects. This could drastically reduce overdose deaths and help people in recovery stay on track with their sobriety journey.
How Does The Fentanyl Vaccine Work?
The vaccine works by introducing a small amount of synthetic fentanyl into the body, which then triggers an immune response. The body’s immune system then goes into action and causes very specific antibodies to be created that target and bind to any other fentanyl molecules that are found in the body.
These antibodies then have the ability to block any amount of fentanyl from being able to interact with the receptors in the brain. Thus preventing fentanyl from producing any of the effects people typically feel after taking it, such as euphoria or relaxation. This new vaccine could make it much easier for people in recovery to stay away from using opioids and remain sober for longer periods of time.
What is The Potential Impact of a Fentanyl Vaccine?
If proven successful, this vaccine could have a huge impact on how we approach treating opioid addiction and overdoses. It would provide an invaluable tool for those in recovery who are struggling with relapse prevention, as well as provide medical professionals with a much-needed weapon in their arsenal when treating opioid addiction and overdoses.
Furthermore, it could also help reduce drug-related crime rates since those who have received the vaccine would no longer be at risk of overdosing on opioids. This new type of addiction treatment method could be extremely beneficial for those who feel that they cannot stop taking fentanyl on their own.
When Will The New Fentanyl Vaccine Be Available?
As of yet, there has only been research done on how immunized lab rats are responding and reacting to the new fentanyl vaccine, but so far all results have been positive. While the creators of the vaccine have not manufactured any clinical-grade versions of the fentanyl vaccine yet, they plan to do so in the coming months. First, they need to undergo a successful round of clinical trials with the human population.
Free Yourself From Fentanyl Addiction With The Help of Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
The potential of a fentanyl vaccine is truly revolutionary— it could drastically reduce overdose deaths while helping those in recovery remain sober for longer periods of time. While more research needs to be done before we can fully understand its implications, early results show great promise for this new type of addiction treatment method. If successful, this new vaccine could prove invaluable in our fight against opioid addiction and overdoses across the country and around the world.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use disorder, give our caring and compassion team at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center a call today- we are here to help.
