Fast, Furious Facts about Fentanyl Addiction

 

According to drug enforcement experts in the United States, 67,367 people in 2018 died from drug-related overdose, which was nearly double the number in 2017. Around 31, 335 of these people died from an overdose due to a synthetic opioid called fentanyl. So, what is fentanyl, how does it affect its users and how can people overcome it? Read on to learn more fast, furious facts about fentanyl addiction. 

Fentanyl is a Powerful Synthetic Drug for Treating Chronic Pain

Doctors use fentanyl for treating patients who suffer from severe or chronic pain, especially after surgical procedures. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug which belongs to the prescription opioid class. However, because it's like morphine (but 50 to 100 times more powerful) a lot of folks easily get addicted to it. 

Today, fentanyl addiction is the newest drug threat to the planet, and its strength and potency has made it so popular for recreational use and abuse. Drug dealers often mix fentanyl with heroin to increase its potency, and then they sell fentanyl itself as heroin, which explains why  many users think they're taking pure heroin. 

How Do Addicts Use Fentanyl?

Fentanyl can be used in many ways, although this may depend on the intention of use. When used properly, clinicians and doctors provide it for patients in a monitored setting. Fentanyl is available via an intramuscular shot, a patch on the skin or cough drop-like lozenges. 

But, when used illicitly, fentanyl comes in different forms like pressed pills, powder, dropped onto blotted paper, eyedroppers and nasal sprays.  

The Effects of Using Fentanyl

Those who fall prey to fentanyl addiction often get a strong, pleasurable high, which leaves them feeling relaxed, euphoric and calm. Users also report “nodding out”, which refers to the blissful shift between states of semi-consciousness and alertness. But, when the high is over, the addict will continue to take fentanyl again. 

The other less pleasurable side effects of fentanyl use include drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, constipation and nausea. And like all opioids, fentanyl can also slow down breathing and heart rate, which can further lead to difficulties in breathing and potential respiratory arrest. 

What's the Best Way to Treat an Addiction to Fentanyl?

Perhaps the most frightening thing about fentanyl addiction is that it's much easier to overdose on it than on other opioids, because of its amazing potency. And, fentanyl-laced heroin can make things worse, because substances that are laced with fentanyl are usually to blame for many accidental overdoses.   

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to treat fentanyl addiction. For starters, drug and alcohol treatment centers an help treat substance abuse issues. Much of these programs are well-equipped and well-staffed to handle the complex conditions of fentanyl abuse. 

Most fentanyl addicts begin with a medically-supervised detoxification process, after which they transition to another level of care, depending on their treatment program. Next, patients are provided with the tools and resources required to enable them to return to their normal lives.