Over time, this vascular compromise damages skin elasticity and weakens the subcutaneous tissue that supports facial structure, contributing to deep folds and indentations. Fentanyl abuse isn’t the only opioid that can cause the drug addiction awkward body reaction, Ciccarone said. The “fentanyl fold” effect can reportedly kick in within two or three minutes after taking the drug, Ciccarone said. If someone seems to be very high on drugs like opioids, they might have noticeable symptoms of use like small pupils, frequent scratching, slurred speech, and even nodding off. AddictionResource.net, and its parent company Recovery Guide LLC, is not a treatment provider and does not offer medical advice or clinical services.
Fentanyl’s Impact on the Body
SummaryThe Fenty Fold is not just a physical posture—it is a warning sign of fentanyl’s devastating impact on the nervous system. Sedation, rigidity, and respiratory depression combine to create a life-threatening state that demands urgent medical attention. Now that you understand why do fentanyl users lean over, it’s important to recognize when things like “nodding” or “leaning” could indicate that the person is having a medical crisis and needs emergency care. We’ve all observed the tell-tale sign that someone is high on fentanyl in that they’re bent over and frozen in the so-called “fentanyl fold,” and a new Chronicle report speaks to medical experts and users about why this happens. If you encounter a person who seems to be locked in a bent-over position, it could be a sign of fentanyl overdose.
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This advertisement is clearly marked and is separate from our editorial content. One of the most important things you can do is learn how to recognize an overdose and how to use naloxone (Narcan). Narcan is a medication that can reverse an overdose and save someone’s life. You can get it at many pharmacies without a prescription, and many communities offer free training on how to use it.
- This slows breathing, sometimes to the point of complete respiratory arrest.
- Users swiftly develop tolerance, necessitating increasingly larger and more frequent doses to achieve the desired effect or simply to avoid excruciating withdrawal symptoms.
- The body can no longer maintain an upright stance and the person will struggle to regain control.
- People under fentanyl’s influence may not realize they’re bent over, as their brain is so slowed down that it can’t process what’s happening.
FAQ Section: Fenty Fold and Fentanyl Overdose
Indie brand Youthforia, for example, found itself facing online backlash after the launch of its Date Night Foundation in October, releasing only two out of 15 dark shades, with three “medium to deep” hues. In an initial response on TikTok, founder Fiona Co Chan said that the launch was intended as “proof of concept”, and that they planned to add more shades once they were sure the formula was right. Fentanyl use is still high, but efforts like giving out naloxone (a drug that reverses overdoses) and fentanyl test strips are helping. Even so, fentanyl remains a huge challenge in Massachusetts because it’s so strong and often mixed with other drugs.
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Fentanyl can also induce muscle rigidity, contributing to unusual postures. The fentanyl fold occurs because fentanyl severely depresses the central nervous system while causing muscle rigidity in the trunk, preventing users from maintaining normal posture. Long-term fentanyl use breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. With thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat, the nasal region is particularly vulnerable, making folds more pronounced. These changes tend to occur more quickly and severely in fentanyl users than in those using milder opioids.
- Another viral example was posted on January 18th, 2025, when TikTok3 user @drefargo0 created a humorous video titled “Chillin at Chuck E. Cheese,” which included the fent fold movements in front of movie theater staff.
- When fentanyl reduces muscle tone, these muscles become relaxed to the point that they can’t do their job of supporting the body.
- Fentanyl, a drug legitimately used by doctors in painkillers to treat severe cancer pain, is being illicitly manufactured and trafficked.
She added that it’s obvious to her when a brand hasn’t tested all the shades on the skin tones they’re intended for. Social media platforms have circulated images and videos of individuals exhibiting the fentanyl fold, sometimes accompanied by mocking or judgmental commentary. This online behavior exacerbates the stigma faced by those struggling with addiction, potentially deterring them from seeking help and perpetuating negative stereotypes. The trunk rigidity acts like a locked hinge, forcing the body to fold at the waist while preventing normal adjustments.
The most effective path combines fentanyl cessation, improved health and nutrition, and targeted cosmetic or surgical interventions. With realistic expectations and professional guidance, individuals can restore both health and appearance as part of long-term recovery. Risk of HypoxiaWhen CNS depression and rigidity prevent effective breathing, oxygen supply to the brain falls dangerously low. Without rapid intervention, this can lead to hypoxic brain injury or even death. The most troubling aspect of San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis is the more than 800 people who died from drug overdoses last year, and of those, around 80% involved the use of the deadly opioid fentanyl.