Fentanyl America’s Killer Drug
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain-relieving medication that is stronger than morphine and is prescribed to treat severe pain.1 Although the drug is legal when prescribed and used as directed, a growing number of Americans are abusing Fentanyl — and tragically dying from the abuse. Fentanyl is prescribed to those who have a tolerance to other opioids. It is 30-50 times stronger than heroin, making the potential for Fentanyl addiction exceptionally high.
Chemists make Fentanyl in a laboratory to have a similar chemical structure to that of the opium poppy plant.1 However, chemists have modified Fentanyl so it is more potent than poppy plants and other forms of pain-relieving medications, including morphine and Demerol. When Fentanyl is taken, the drug binds to opioid receptors present in the brain. This blocks pain sensations but also has side effects that can include nausea, drowsiness, confusion, constipation, and extremely slow to no breathing. Fentanyl’s effects on breathing make it easy to overdose on the drug.
Pharmaceutical companies manufacture and sell Fentanyl under brand names that include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze.1 Manufacturers produce Fentanyl in many forms. These include pills, intravenous (IV) injections, patches, or even a lozenge that is similar to a cough drop.
Signs of Addiction to Fentanyl
Signs and symptoms of Fentanyl addiction include, but are not limited to:
- A desire to stop or reduce Fentanyl use, but failing
- A large amount of time, money, and effort spent getting Fentanyl
- Urges or cravings for Fentanyl
- Being unable to meet obligations at work, school, or home
- Becoming isolated and withdrawn
- Putting themselves and others at risk when using or sourcing the drug
- Continuing to use the drug despite its psychological and physical effects
- Sleeping for prolonged hours
- Weight gain
- Hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions
- Depression and mental health problems
- Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, shaking, and confusion
Dealers sell it in several forms on the streets. This includes a powder form that is dropped onto blotting papers or in an eyedropper, nasal spray, or pressed into pill-like form. One of the problems with illegally purchased Fentanyl is that it may not be Fentanyl at all. Drug dealers may mix it with other substances or even kitchen products as means to sell more. They may also mix Fentanyl with other drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine, so a person gets high faster. This is a dangerous practice as a person may use more of the drug, not knowing what is present in the drugs they are using.
When drug dealers sell Fentanyl on the streets, they may sell it under names that include:
- Apache
- China Girl
- Murder 8
- Tango
- Cash
- Read more… A Guide to Fentanyl
How Can Fentanyl Be Detected?
Doctors can test a person’s bloodstream for the presence of opiates, such as Fentanyl. They can also test for the presence of other drugs, such as methamphetamines and benzodiazepines.
Who Abuses Fentanyl
Drug dealers often mix Fentanyl with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA. It takes very little Fentanyl to produce a high, making it a cheap filler. This practice is hazardous. Most people taking recreational drugs don’t suspect that they might contain Fentanyl and will rapidly become addicted.
Side-Effects of Fentanyl Addiction
Those battling a Fentanyl addiction ingest uncontrolled doses of Fentanyl to achieve an intense euphoric high that resembles a heroin high. However, the high is short-lived, with adverse side effects.
Even when used as prescribed, Fentanyl side effects can include:
- Mood changes
- Headaches
- Coldness
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Itching
- Decreased libido
- Agitation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
Fentanyl and Alcohol
A Fentanyl overdose occurs when an individual takes too much Fentanyl or mixes it with illicit narcotics like heroin or alcohol. A Fentanyl overdose is more likely when the individual abuses substances and abuse remains untreated.
Withdrawing from Fentanyl without the proper support or supervision is not an easy task. When stopping the drug, the individual concerned will likely experience painful Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms.
For the best outcomes, it is wise to seek out an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation center. Choosing to enroll in an inpatient program with a rehab center will ensure the individual is safe and comfortable throughout the Fentanyl detox and withdrawal process. A proper inpatient treatment center will support the individual holistically.
Detox from Fentanyl
Detoxing from Fentanyl is the first step in a treatment program. Medical detox from Fentanyl usually involves tapering down the dosage of the drug, while managing withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl detox can be very uncomfortable, and even dangerous, and should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
Fentanyl Withdrawal
Once the drug is removed from the body, opioid withdrawal syndrome can begin as the brain struggles to restore balance. Physically, the symptoms may be flu-like, and psychological symptoms may be intense and unpleasant.
Symptoms of Fentanyl withdrawal include :
- Chills and fever
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, runny nose, and tearing eyes
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Often, medication will be administered to manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This medication helps make withdrawal a bit easier on the patient and also reduces the risk of relapse. This is why Fentanyl withdrawal and detox must be only done in a registered rehab center under a qualified medical clinician’s care.
Click here for more about Therapies Used for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment