Fentanyl addiction is a tough battle. This potent painkiller can alleviate pain in a matter of minutes but can also ruin lives when abused. Understanding how this drug can be addictive and how it can affect a person’s well-being is a crucial step towards overcoming addiction. 

What is Fentanyl, and why is it so addictive?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed to manage chronic pain, such as in advanced cancer and post-surgery. It belongs to a class of drugs called opioids, along with the likes of morphine and oxycodone.

Opioids are painkillers that change how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. The opioid receptors in our brain are responsible for controlling pain and emotions. Fentanyl works by binding to these receptors to alleviate pain. The drug also activates mu receptors, releasing the happy hormone known as dopamine. It is how the euphoric effect takes place.

With long-term use, the brain’s natural balance can be disrupted. It becomes tolerant of the effects of Fentanyl. The body can become dependent on the drug. Thus, the individual starts to desire a more frequent and higher dosage to achieve euphoria.

Physicians prescribe Fentanyl through a shot, a skin patch, or a lozenge. It’s legally used as an analgesic for patients suffering from chronic pain who need round-the-clock medication. However, the drug is also manufactured and sold illegally by secret laboratories and smuggled to the US. 

Illegal Fentanyl is sold as nasal sprays or as powdered substances pressed to look like pills. Due to its potency and low cost, it’s often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.  

Fentanyl is a target of illegal manufacturing because it’s known as a strong painkiller. It’s fifty times stronger than heroin and a hundred times more potent than morphine. Also, it acts quicker, and effects can be felt from 15-30 minutes from the time of administration compared to other opioids that may take 30 minutes to an hour. 

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

The signs and symptoms of Fentanyl addiction can vary, but there are the most common ones that can be noticeable. An individual struggling with fentanyl abuse may exhibit the following:

Physical signs – Common physical signs may include small pupils, drowsiness, a lack of body coordination, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, cold and clammy skin, and sudden weight loss.

Tolerance to Fentanyl – The person may desire higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effects. 

Withdrawal effects – Without the use of Fentanyl, the person may experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, muscle or bone pain, and flu-like symptoms.

Intense craving – There is a desire to acquire more Fentanyl by whatever means.

Neglecting responsibilities – Due to preoccupation with their cravings, the individual may neglect their duties, including daily hygiene.

Social isolation – To fulfill drug use, the person may withdraw from family and friends and prefer to spend time alone.

Changes in sleep pattern – Someone who is struggling with Fentanyl addiction may have difficulty staying asleep or cannot sleep at all.

Mood swings – As with any other addiction, sudden mood changes are common due to chemical changes in the brain.

Psychological signs – One of the effects of fentanyl is euphoria, but misuse may cause the person to be anxious, depressed, or have hallucinations. 

Recognizing withdrawal symptoms

When a person has become tolerant and dependent on Fentanyl, the body undergoes several chemical changes. Sudden cessation of the drug can result in withdrawal symptoms because the body has to adjust again due to the absence of chemicals. 

Recognizing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms is a key in extending help and support to someone struggling with drug addiciton. Empathy and understanding is necessary when helping someone with their journey to recovery. You may notice the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Chills
• Goosebumps
• Sweating
• Diarrhoea
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Headaches
• Stomach problems
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Nause and vomiting
• Uncontrollable yawning

Risks Associated with Fentanyl Addiction

Understanding the risks associated with Fentanyl addiction is crucial to providing early intervention and promoting accountability when taking the drug. Here are the risks associated with Fentanyl addiction.

Overdose and death – Fentanyl is more potent than other opioids. Two milligrams of Fentanyl are already considered a potentially lethal dose. Overdose can lead to respiratory depression, such as slowing down or stopping breathing, and death.

Organ or system failure – Over time, organs can malfunction due to Fentanyl abuse. Irregular heartbeats, slow breathing, and stomach issues are the most common. These symptoms can lead to significant health complications wherein the organ may stop functioning.

Addiction to other substances – Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs since it’s low-cost. It’s often mixed with alcohol or benzodiazepines, which is a drug to treat anxiety or insomnia. Fentanyl is also known as a gateway drug to heroin.

Legal risks – Acquiring Fentanyl illegally has legal implications such as arrest and criminal charges.

Social isolation – When a person is struggling with drug abuse, social withdrawal may happen because they will prioritize taking drugs over relationships. This can lead to isolation and relationship problems.

Mental distress – Drug abuse can alter the natural chemical functions of the brain, which leads to anxiety, hallucinations, and depression.

Financial loss – In their desire to buy more drugs, financial troubles arise. Some people struggling with addiction neglect their financial responsibilities. or even sell possessions to get more of the substance. 

Seeking Help for Fentanyl Addiction

There’s a lot of help available for someone who is struggling with Fentanyl addiction. Making an informed decision is a big step towards recovery. Help is available in a lot of forms and combinations. Here’s an overview of treatment options that are available for Fentanyl addiction:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

A type of treatment that uses medication together with counseling and therapy to treat addiction. The Food and Drug Administration has approved three drugs to aid treatment. Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone are approved medications that help reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy focuses on recognizing the individual’s unhealthy patterns that may contribute to the addiction. It focuses on developing coping strategies and healthy habits to aid the person’s journey to recovery. 

Detoxifcation Program

Detoxification refers to the removal of toxins from the body of a patient who is dependent on drugs. It aims to reduce the physical harm caused by substance misuse by reducing opioid administration gradually. It can be done in-patient or out-patient. 

Finding treatment resources

You may contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance addiction treatment. 

Research treatment facilities or sober living homes in your area that can help you decide on treatment options. There are different programs available and supportive communities that can help individuals on their road to recovery.

Support Groups

Support groups, whether government or private, play an essential role in aiding someone who is grappling with drug addiction. Aside from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA), there’s Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and Al-Anon that can provide a supportive environment. Faith-based support group organizations such as Celebrate Recovery are also ready to help, catering to recovering individuals and their families.

Insurance and financial assistance

There are available insurances and financial assistance funded by the government for individuals and their families who are facing the challenges of drug abuse treatment. Here are government funded institutions that provide assistance:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Medicare and Medicaid.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants.

You can also do research on specific grants and insurance that are funded by your state.

For Loved Ones of Someone Struggling with Addiction

Supporting a loved one struggling with addiction is not an easy road. It may affect your well-being. Here are some coping strategies that you can use if your loved one is suffering from drug abuse:

How to support your loved one

• Educate yourself about the problem. Learn about the effects of the drug so you will know what you are dealing with. 
• Set boundaries if their misuse has affected your well-being. Do not enable their behavior.
• Empathize rather than judge. Express your concern and support to your loved one to encourage healthy communication. 
• Encourage professional help. Recovering from drug addiction requires help from experts and the support of encouraging family members like you.

Resources for self-care and support groups

• Attend individual counseling or family services catering to those whose loved ones are struggling with addiction. 
• Join educational workshops about drug abuse to be more informed about the situation. 
• Set realistic expectations about the journey of your loved one. Recovery is not overnight and can be a long journey.
• Engage in self-care activities that can relax and help your well-being, such as exercising, spending time with friends, or doing something you love.

Frequently Asked Questions on Fentanyl Addiction