Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is an artificial opioid drug that is used as a pain reliever for advanced cancer and post-surgery pain. It’s given in a shot, a skin patch, or as a lozenge (similar to cough drops). This painkiller is known to be manufactured and sold illegally.

Due to its euphoric effects, fentanyl misuse and abuse are rampant. From 2019 to 2021, over 106,000 deaths from drug overdoses, primarily due to fentanyl abuse, have been reported. Fentanyl addiction can have devastating effects on an individual, such as organ failure, mental illness, coma, and even death. Understanding and recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction is a massive step towards the path of recovery.

Physical Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

A person struggling with fentanyl addiction may show some or all of these physical signs:

• • Fatigue

• • Diarrhoea

• • Muscle pain

• • Bone pain

• • Dry mouth

• • Mouth sores

• • Sudden chills

• • Weight loss

• • Vision problems

• • Nausea and vomiting

• • Slow breathing

• • Increased heart rate

• • Swollen hands and feet

• • Uncontrollable leg movements

• • Loss of consciousness

Behavioral Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Behaviour changes of fentanyl addiction can vary, but there are common signs such as:

• • Isolation

• • Irritability

• • Restlessness

• • Poor hygiene

• • Mood swings

• • Risky behavior

• • Lack of motivation

• • Financial problems

• • Neglect of responsibilities

• • Changes in sleep pattern

• • Opening fentanyl patches to take the content

Psychological Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction can cause mental health problems. The psychological signs of Fentanyl addiction include the following:

• • Anxiety

• • Euphoria

• • Depression

• • Hallucination

• • Lack of focus

• • Intense cravings

• • Distorted thinking

• • Compulsive drug seeking

What to do if you suspect someone is addicted to fentanyl?

If you suspect that someone is addicted to fentanyl, here are several steps you can take to help the individual:

• • Educate yourself about fentanyl addiction, especially the signs and symptoms, to better understand what the person is going through.

• • Take note of the signs of fentanyl abuse that you have observed. This information is crucial to aid in the recovery of your loved one.

• • Express your concern and support. It can be challenging to convince your loved one to seek professional help. The best approach is to communicate with empathy and not with judgment.

• • Research treatment options. You may contact drug treatment facilities or a sober living home and ask about the different programs they offer. 

How do you talk to someone about addiction?

It’s natural to feel hesitant and nervous when you talk to someone about addiction. The best way to start is by educating yourself. Learn about the effects of the drug and the signs of abuse before talking to the individual.

Here are some dos and don’ts on how you can communicate with the person effectively about addiction:

Dos:

Express your concern.

• • “I’ve noticed changes in your behavior, and I’m concerned. Can we talk about this?”

Be encouraging. 

• • “It may be difficult but I know you can do this.”

Set realistic boundaries with your loved one and be firm about it.

• • “I care about you but I won’t be able to tolerate or support (specify action or behavior).”

Express your appreciation.

• • “I appreciate that you have improved in (specify action or behavior).” 

Offer help and support.

• • “Is there anything specific that I can help you with?” 

Don’ts:

Do not use negative language.

• • Avoid calling them names such as “addict or junkie.”

Avoid blaming.

• • “This happened because of you.”

Do not threaten.

• • “If you will not stop, I will call the police/kick you out.”

Do not minimize their struggle.

• • “Why is it hard for you to quit? Just stop.”

Do not assume

• • “You’re just doing this for attention.”

Where to find help

If you or someone you know has a fentanyl use disorder, reaching out for help is a crucial step towards recovery Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Another helpful option is connecting with a local treatment facility or a sober living home. You can also do research on local support groups nearby. There are supportive communities and caring professionals who are more than willing to help.

FAQs About Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction