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Learn about the harmful, potentially life-threatening side effects of fentanyl addiction on the brain and body. Finding effective treatment to help with recovery is vital.
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Opioid overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl, rose 55.6 % between 2020 and 2021. Fentanyl seems to be the main cause of the rise in drug-related deaths in the United States.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain after surgery and advanced cancer cases. It is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Doctors prescribe it in shots, tablets, transdermal patches, or lozenges.
Doctors also prescribe fentanyl under the names Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. Unfortunately, someone can divert it for misuse and abuse.
People disguise illicit fentanyl as other prescription drugs, making it difficult to detect without a lab test. Illegal drug markets sell it as pills, eye drops, nasal drops, and powder forms for its heroin-like effect.
People often mix fentanyl with heroin and cocaine as a combination drug. This can happen with or without the user’s knowledge. The goal is to increase its short-term euphoric effects.
Like other opioids, fentanyl binds the brain areas that control pain and emotions. Fentanyl affects how the brain works.
When you use it for a long time, your brain becomes less sensitive to pain. This makes it difficult to feel pleasure as you normally would.
Thus, consuming a higher dosage of the medication delivers the anticipated effects. Nevertheless, your brain continually craves more. This results in sensations of bliss and tranquility, and it also alleviates persistent pain.
Eventually, the compulsion to seek and consume fentanyl will become irresistible, dominating your existence. Fentanyl’s impact varies from person to person.
This is contingent on your stature, weight, and overall health. The quantity you consume also plays a role. The impact can vary if you use it solo or in combination with other substances.
Fentanyl effects include;
Fentanyl effects include;
Adverse effects associated with fentanyl transdermal patches include;
Continued use of fentanyl can cause severe medical conditions and societal consequences such as;
Mental Health Problems: You may suffer from depression, anxiety, and paranoia. The neurochemicals in your brain change quickly.
The crash from the high can make you feel irritable and anxious. It can also cause stress. Repeat usage can cause long-lasting mental problems, including depression, personality disorders, anxiety, etc.
Financial and Social Issues: Using fentanyl repeatedly can lead to addiction. This addiction affects how people think and make decisions. They may not always be objective. You may enter debt to support your drug use.
You may resort to selling personal belongings to purchase fentanyl. You might also indulge in hazardous activities, such as transactional sex, to sustain your dependency. This impacts you, your acquaintances, and relatives, particularly when you encounter legal issues related to substance misuse.
Failed Relationships: When you misuse fentanyl, you may need to change your friends. You might not feel comfortable with the same people anymore. The new companions are likely to be other users.
Additionally, your fluctuating moods can cause your dear ones to distance themselves. For example, they might steer clear of you when you’re grouchy, irritable, or furious.
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If you have a Fentanyl abuse disorder, you need to treat both the substance use disorder and any mental health issues. Treatment for mental health problems and fentanyl addiction may include medication, rehabilitation, support groups, and talk therapy.
Treatment for fentanyl is similar to all other opioid use disorders but depends on the severity of the addiction. Your treatment may include inpatient and outpatient detox and medication-assisted treatment for managing cravings and preventing relapse.
To treat Fentanyl use disorder, your doctor may prescribe buprenorphine and methadone. These drugs affect the same brain receptors that fentanyl impacts, but their side effects are more manageable.
Besides, naltrexone, a medicine that stops fentanyl from affecting your body, is another substitution drug a doctor can prescribe. If someone you know is experiencing an overdose, a dose of naloxone can help temporarily reverse the effects. This can keep them safe until emergency services arrive.
For behavioral treatment, your therapy options may include the following;
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Fentanyl often causes more damage than benefit. Fentanyl and other opioids have a high risk of addiction, misuse, and overdose. This can lead to many health problems. Daily, a significant number of individuals end up in the emergency room because of complications from synthetic opioid misuse.
It has worse effects when used with other substances such as alcohol, cocaine, or heroin. This can lead to an immediate cardiovascular arrest and risk of overdose.
If you see that you or a loved one is misusing fentanyl, get help and contact emergency medical services. Talk to your doctor or call 911. This can help prevent a serious problem or save a life.
Why is Fentanyl so Dangerous?
Fentanyl’s high potency makes it extremely dangerous, especially when misused. Even a small amount can lead to overdose and death. Drug dealers often mix fentanyl with other drugs without telling the user. This raises the risk of accidental overdose.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Fentanyl?
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping fentanyl use and may include:
These symptoms can be severe and are best managed under medical supervision.
Is it Safe to Use Fentanyl with Other Substances?
No, combining fentanyl with other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, or heroin significantly increases the risk of severe side effects, overdose, and death. These combinations can amplify the depressant effects on the central nervous system, leading to respiratory failure.
How Widespread is Fentanyl Abuse in the United States?
Fentanyl abuse has become a major public health crisis in the United States. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, have risen sharply in recent years. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is a significant contributor to the increase in total drug overdose deaths.
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Sources
Facts About Fentanyl: https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl
What is Fentanyl: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
About Author:
Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC
Expert Contributor
About Reviewer:
Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.
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