Fentanyl Poisoning? It Can Happen at Any Restaurant

Maybe a good thing to know if you're accidentally poisoned eating out at restaurants.  You don't know who is in the kitchen.  You don't know their associates.  So it doesn't hurt to know what the symptoms are of fentanyl poisoning.  Death by fentanyl poisoning means you stop breathing.  Fentanyl attaches to receptors in the brain and can cause a person to stop breathing, CBS News. I was in a Mexican restaurant yesterday Wednesday and was poisoned by the chef.  Before my order is ready, he walks out from behind the kitchen into the parking lot to his car wearing a brown leather apron, like Walter White in Breaking Bad, not a traditional white Chef's apron, and a pair of sunglasses at 8:30 in the morning in a swag or a confident bounce from his knowledge of poisoning me without anyone knowing, like he deserves the crown of "Thug Life."  Important to know, too, that Fentanyl has analogs.  

Naloxone is the remedy to Fentanyl poisoning, and you can get it without a prescription in the United States at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and RiteAid.  Online retailers at Amazon and Target.

On Sunday, February 8, 2025, I went for an acupuncture treatment and told the intake nurse about fentanyl poisoning and apparently, they gave me a back treatment.  Was the back treatment a kidney treatment?  Who knows?  I don't.  Nor did the receptionist. 

Keng-Tong Su

Shang Shudong

Dr. Peng.

The clips below are from X's Grok.  Read here.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, can be lethal due to its impact on the body's respiratory system and central nervous system. Here’s how it can lead to death:

1. Respiratory Depression:
   • Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which are involved in controlling pain and breathing. When it binds to these receptors, it can significantly slow down or even stop breathing. This condition, known as respiratory depression, reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain and other vital organs, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).
2. Sedation and Loss of Consciousness:
   • The drug causes profound sedation. At high doses, this can lead to unconsciousness where the person might not wake up, especially if they are alone or if there's no one to intervene.
3. Central Nervous System Depression:
   • Fentanyl depresses the central nervous system, slowing down heart rate and reducing blood pressure, which combined with respiratory depression, can lead to organ failure if not corrected quickly.
4. Overdose Risk Due to Potency:
   • Fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin or morphine, meaning even small amounts can lead to an overdose. Its potency also means that it can be easily misused or accidentally ingested in lethal quantities, particularly if mixed with other drugs or if the purity of the drug is unknown.
5. Tolerance and Dependence:
   • Users can develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose. Additionally, physical dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms that might drive someone to take more of the drug, escalating the risk of an accidental overdose.
6. Combining with Other Substances:
   • When fentanyl is used in combination with other depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids, the risk of fatal overdose increases due to compounded effects on breathing and heart function.

An overdose from fentanyl can happen very quickly because of its fast-acting nature. Symptoms of an overdose include:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Limp body
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

Immediate Actions:

• If an overdose is suspected, calling emergency services immediately is crucial. Administering naloxone (Narcan), if available, can reverse the effects of opioids, but it might not be effective against all fentanyl analogs, and multiple doses might be needed.

Understanding these mechanisms can help in recognizing the dangers of fentanyl misuse and in promoting awareness about the importance of having naloxone accessible and knowing how to respond in an overdose situation.

Only because I had read that a Mexican-owned restaurant chain in Denver was owned by the cartel, called Taco Star, is the only reason I asked Grok this question, "What is the % of Mexican restaurants in the United States owned by the cartel?"

The available information does not provide a specific percentage regarding Mexican restaurants owned by cartels in the US. However, we can infer some context from related data:

• Mexican drug cartels have a significant influence over the wholesale drug trade in the US, but local partners, often including gangs, handle street-level sales and distribution. This suggests that while cartels might have control over certain illicit activities, their direct ownership of legitimate businesses like restaurants might be less clear or widespread. (Source: Business Insider, 2017)
• Cartels have extended their operations into various sectors of the Mexican economy, including extortion of businesses like restaurants, but this does not equate to ownership. Instead, it points to a strategy of control through intimidation and extortion rather than direct ownership. (Source: The Washington Post, 2024)
• Organized crime in Mexico, including cartels, has diversified into many areas beyond drugs, including control over local economies, but again, this control is more about influence and extortion rather than owning businesses outright in the US. (Source: USA Today, 2024)

Given this context, while cartels might exert influence or demand protection money from Mexican restaurants in the US, there's no direct data indicating a specific percentage of ownership. It's important to differentiate between control or influence through criminal activities and actual ownership.

If you're looking for more precise statistics on this matter, comprehensive studies specifically addressing cartel ownership of businesses in the US would be needed, but currently, such precise figures are not readily available from the information at hand.

REMEDIES ARE AVAILABLE

When addressing spinal injuries, particularly those potentially exacerbated by substances like Fentanyl, it's crucial to approach natural remedies with caution and in conjunction with medical advice. Here are some natural remedies that have been explored for spinal cord injury recovery, based on the information available:

1. Turmeric (Curcumin):
   • Benefits: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is known to help reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells, potentially aiding recovery from spinal injuries.
   • Usage: Turmeric can be consumed in food, as a supplement, or in curcumin extract form. However, its bioavailability is low, so combining it with black pepper (piperine) can enhance absorption.
2. Cayenne Pepper:
   • Benefits: Contains capsaicin, which can stimulate circulation and may help in managing pain by desensitizing nerve endings.
   • Usage: Can be applied topically in cream form or ingested in small amounts. Capsaicin creams are available for pain relief, but they should be used cautiously as they can cause skin irritation.
3. DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide):
   • Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, DMSO might help reduce swelling and improve nerve function.
   • Usage: Typically applied topically, though it should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
   • Benefits: These are essential for brain and spinal cord health, reducing inflammation, and potentially aiding in nerve repair.
   • Usage: Fish oil supplements, DHA, or flaxseed oil are common sources. The dosage should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
5. Acupuncture:
   • Benefits: Studies suggest it can help with pain management and might improve outcomes in spinal cord injury by stimulating nerve pathways.
   • Usage: Requires a qualified practitioner and should be part of a broader treatment plan.
6. Massage Therapy:
   • Benefits: Can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance well-being, which is crucial for recovery from any injury.
   • Usage: Should be gentle and performed by therapists with experience in treating spinal injuries.
7. Yoga:
   • Benefits: Adaptive yoga can help regain mobility, strength, and flexibility while also managing stress and pain.
   • Usage: Modified poses for those with limited mobility should be supervised by a yoga instructor familiar with spinal injuries.
8. Herbal Supplements:
   • Benefits: Some herbs like Ginseng, Ginkgo, and Astragalus have been studied for their potential neuroprotective effects.
   • Usage: Herbal treatments should be approached with caution due to potential interactions with medications or other health conditions.

Important Considerations:

• Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting any natural remedy, especially post-injury or when dealing with pain management in relation to Fentanyl use, discuss with your healthcare provider. Fentanyl can interact with herbs or supplements, leading to potentially dangerous effects.
• No Cure: Natural remedies do not cure spinal injuries; they can only aid in managing symptoms and potentially supporting recovery processes.
• Evidence: The effectiveness of these remedies can vary greatly from one person to another, and much of the research is preliminary or anecdotal.

Considering your location in the US, local access to these treatments might vary, so consulting with local healthcare providers or alternative medicine practitioners can provide personalized advice based on your specific condition and environment. Remember, while natural remedies can be beneficial, they should not replace conventional medical treatments but rather complement them.

UPDATE, MARCH 28, 2025. Still having difficulty having a bowel movement.

Maybe not fentanyl.

There is no definitive evidence or widely documented information specifying particular poisons that cartels use to prevent bowel movements. However, in the context of drug trafficking, cartels often employ drug mules—individuals who smuggle drugs by swallowing them in balloons or packets. To reduce the risk of these packets rupturing or being expelled prematurely during transport, mules may be given substances to slow digestion or inhibit bowel movements. These aren’t typically "poisons" in the traditional sense but rather medications or compounds with constipating effects.

For example, anti-diarrheal drugs like loperamide (commonly known as Imodium) are sometimes used to slow gastrointestinal motility and prevent bowel movements. In smuggling operations, such substances could be administered to mules to ensure the drugs remain in their stomachs or intestines until they reach their destination.

Additionally, some reports suggest that mules might be instructed to avoid food or take other constipating agents to minimize the need to defecate during transit.

The idea of using a "poison" specifically to stop bowel movements doesn’t align with known cartel practices, as their goal is typically to keep mules functional and alive to complete the smuggling task, not to harm them outright. True poisons, which are toxic and potentially lethal, would be counterproductive in this scenario. If you’re referring to a specific case or fictional depiction (e.g., from media like Breaking Bad), feel free to clarify, and I can tailor the response further!

Immodium is not without its risks.

Risks from Misuse or Overuse

Prolonged or excessive use (far beyond recommended doses) can cause issues that might mimic or contribute to gut problems:

1. Severe Constipation: Over-slowing the gut can lead to fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction. If untreated, this could theoretically strain the gut, but permanent damage isn’t well-documented.
2. Toxic Megacolon: In rare cases, especially with underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infections (e.g., C. diff), Imodium can mask symptoms and delay treatment, potentially worsening inflammation or leading to bowel dilation. This is more about exacerbating pre-existing damage than causing it directly.
3. Motility Issues: Chronic use might disrupt natural gut rhythm temporarily, but the gut typically recovers once the drug is stopped, assuming no other factors.

Abuse Context (High Doses)

• Some people misuse loperamide in massive doses (e.g., 50-300 mg) to self-treat opioid withdrawal or chase a high. This can lead to systemic toxicity—heart problems (arrhythmias) and central nervous system depression are the main concerns, not gut damage. However, extreme constipation or ileus (gut paralysis) could stress the intestines, though recovery is usual with medical intervention.