Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pharmaceutical drug that treats severe physical pain. It’s much stronger than other opioids, such as morphine or hydrocodone. In fact, it’s between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine.
Typically, fentanyl is only prescribed to those that suffer from severe pain after surgery or those that are struggling with intense pain during cancer treatment. Fentanyl can be prescribed as a patch (Duragesic), lozenge, sublingual spray (Subsys), injections (Sublimaze), dissolvable tablets (Abstral), and nasal spray (Lazanda).
While fentanyl works very well to minimize pain, it’s also quite addictive. As such, those that are prescribed fentanyl can become addicted, as well as those that purchase the drug illegally on the street.
Abusing Fentanyl
Fentanyl is the most addictive opioid around. In fact, The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that a fentanyl epidemic has the potential of occurring because of how easy it is to become addicted to the drug. As with other opioids, some of the effects of the drug include a sense of deep relaxation and euphoria. These feelings are the main reasons people continue to abuse the drug.
However, some continue to use fentanyl because it can be quite tough to get through fentanyl withdrawal when trying to stop using the drug.
The following are some symptoms associated with abusing fentanyl:
- Major headaches
- Blurry vision
- Breath slows down
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Feeling very tired
- Itching
- Feeling dizzy
- Constipation
- Seizures
Abusing fentanyl is quite dangerous, especially if your tolerance is at a low level for opioids. You run the risk of overdosing, as your respiratory system slows down greatly. It’s certainly not a drug to mess around with, as just one dose has the potential to kill you.
Am I Addicted To Fentanyl?
Whether you’re taking fentanyl as prescribed or illegally, you can become addicted to the drug quite easily. Signs that you’ve become addicted to fentanyl include:
- Not being able to stop using fentanyl.
- Your tolerance has increased. You’re having to use more and more to get the same effect.
- You’re buying fentanyl illegally to use it.
- You’re “doctor shopping” to get more.
- You’re using other opioids in addition to fentanyl that have not been prescribed.
- Your life is consumed with thoughts about using the drug.
- You’ve experienced negative consequences from using fentanyl but still, use it.
- You try to stop using fentanyl, but experience terrible withdrawal symptoms that cause you to keep using it.
- Others have come to you concerned about your use of fentanyl.
If you have become addicted to fentanyl, please don’t feel ashamed. Fentanyl is a very addictive drug, and you can become addicted to it even if you’re taking it exactly as prescribed by your physician. Know that you are certainly not alone in becoming addicted to an opioid. But the good news is that you can get free from fentanyl addiction with the support of professionals who can help put you on the best route for recovery.
If pain management is a concern, addiction specialists can help you try other pain relief modalities, so you do not have to suffer.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have become addicted to fentanyl, seeking help from substance abuse professionals is recommended. When you desire to stop using fentanyl, you should never try to stop using the drug “cold turkey”, as this can be a very painful process.
Rather, it’s recommended that you undergo a gradual reduction under the supervision of medical professionals who can monitor you around-the-clock.
When you begin weaning off fentanyl, you will likely experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms that may range from mild to severe.
As an opioid, you may begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms as soon as 12 hours after the last dose of fentanyl.
Common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yawning
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Stomachache
- Diarrhea
- Faster heart rate
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
- Increased anxiety
Typically, the worst part of withdrawal is that first week from when you start tapering off the drug. It’s helpful to have support during the withdrawal stages, so you’re less prone to relapse.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
There are various ways to treat fentanyl addiction. For those that have a moderate to severe addiction, it is recommended to attend an inpatient detox and/or treatment center. This allows you to have access to substance abuse professionals around-the-clock. It can help immensely to know that you are not alone in the detox and treatment process. You may also be able to have various medications prescribed that can help minimize the daunting withdrawal symptoms.
Here at Into Action Recovery, we offer a “First Stage Residential Program” for addiction treatment. As a resident, you will commit to a 60-day program alongside other men being treated for addiction, in a safe, comfortable home-like atmosphere.
Once you complete the first stage, you have the option to attend the “Second Stage Transitional Program”. You can stay for up to 30 days, receiving additional support and accountability to strengthen your recovery. If you are working or enrolled in school, you are able to leave the premises to do so.
We also offer a Long-Term Sober Living option for those who require housing long-term. We are committed to helping those who desire to get free from addiction, and our programs reflect that desire.
Reach Out For Help
If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction or another type of addiction, know that you’re not alone. And, you don’t have to keep trying to get free from addiction on your own. We’re here to assist you however we can. The path of recovery may seem like an upward battle, but we assure you that with the right type of support, you can do it. You can get free from the cycle of addiction and go on to create the kind of life you truly desire.
Feel free to give us a call today. We’re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Take your first step toward recovery and a new life today. You’ll be glad you did.