Dangers of Fentanyl Use and Addiction
The powerful synthetic opioid, Fentanyl, has provided extensive relief for the patients it’s been prescribed to. Developed to treat pain, Fentanyl is one of many narcotics that physicians prescribe to individuals suffering from post-surgical pain or chronic pain associated with various health conditions. Like other opioids, Fentanyl is extremely addictive. While some people have obtained a fentanyl addiction by using it recreationally, many have become addicted after being prescribed the drug. Fentanyl is a dangerous opioid.
In recent years, Fentanyl has been involved in more than 50% of all opioid-related deaths in the U.S. If you are unable to stop using this drug and suspect you have developed a Fentanyl addiction or abuse problem, it’s crucial to access quality treatment as soon as possible.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a prescription narcotic. Why is Fentanyl so dangerous? As a synthetic opioid, it is much more powerful than other prescription opioids. In fact, it is between 80 and 100 times more powerful than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Addiction. The pharmaceutical industry developed the drug to help patients suffering from intense pain that is often associated with serious health conditions like cancer.
Like other narcotics, Fentanyl has a high risk for abuse among users. Fentanyl is made and sold illegally on the black market. It is often added to heroin to increase the euphoric effects of the high. However, such combinations have proven to be deadly time and time again. Users can become addicted to Fentanyl quickly. Developing a tolerance to a dose can occur in a short period of time. Once a user begins the pattern of increasing their dose to achieve similar effects as in the past, they are paving a path to Fentanyl addiction.
How Is Fentanyl Used?
Prescription Fentanyl is administered to patients as a shot, lozenges, or in patch form. Illegal Fentanyl is typically sold as a powder. The powder may be used to create tablets or is sometimes administered through nasal sprays and eye droppers. As mentioned, Fentanyl is often added to other opioids such as heroin. In many cases, users may not even be aware that the drug they’re about to use contains Fentanyl. This is why Fentanyl is so dangerous–it can be deadly on its own, but when combined with other drugs, the potential for overdose increases exponentially.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain?
Fentanyl affects the brain’s reward centers, targeting the opioid receptors. When used as directed by clinicians, Fentanyl alleviates pain. When taken in higher doses, Fentanyl can induce a feeling of pleasure. It can also heighten feelings of euphoria when abused in combination with other drugs like heroin.
What anyone using this drug, prescription or illicit, should know is that Fentanyl, like other opioids, affects the area of the brain that also controls respiratory function. Taking too much of the drug or a combination of drugs can suppress this function, resulting in overdose and, often, death. This, alone, is why Fentanyl is so dangerous.
How Can Fentanyl Addiction Be Treated?
Fentanyl addiction can be treated successfully. A person addicted to drugs develops both physical and mental dependences on the substance in question. Medical detox targets physical dependence. Individual treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy along with others targets the mental aspects of the addiction. Unless treatment targets addiction’s mental and physical elements, relapse is likely. In fact, more than 85% of people addicted to opioids relapse at least once, according to statistics.
If you suspect you have a Fentanyl addiction, you can rely on Pacific Manor Recovery for help. We offer individualized therapy. Our addiction specialists will meet you wherever you are on your recovery journey with treatments designed to help you effectively manage your Fentanyl addiction. Call or visit us to enroll today. Don’t wait to safeguard your health and future. (888) 300-4370
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