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Fentanyl is a powerful opioid drug. It is chemically similar to morphine. However, it is much stronger than morphine–up to 100 times more potent. People who take fentanyl can quickly become addicted to it.
Because fentanyl is so potent, it is deadly in tiny amounts. People who misuse fentanyl are at risk of overdose. People may take too much fentanyl and have an overdose.
Drug dealers may also add fentanyl to other illicit drugs, such as heroin and other opioids. This can increase the risk of life-threatening overdose and other complications. The only way to prevent a fentanyl overdose is to stop using it and other illicit drugs.
If you or someone you know misuses fentanyl or has opioid addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Charlotte Detox Center specialists now to learn about our addiction treatment programs. You may also schedule an intake assessment.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug. It produces effects that are similar to other opioids. However, fentanyl is much more potent.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that fentanyl has a significant risk for misuse and addiction but has a known medical use.
Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to patients who have moderate to severe pain. People may use fentanyl to manage pain after a medical procedure or during treatment for other conditions.
People take prescription fentanyl in several ways, including:
Oral liquid
Pills
Patches applied to the skin
Medical professionals advise patients to take fentanyl exactly as prescribed. If people misuse fentanyl, they may quickly become addicted to it or experience an overdose.
Illicit drug dealers manufacture and sell counterfeit fentanyl. They may also add fentanyl to other drugs to make them more potent or to increase their profits. People may take fentanyl without knowing it. This is very dangerous and puts people who use drugs at risk of overdose.
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction
When people take fentanyl, the drug enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Fentanyl affects areas of the brain related to pain control, pleasure, and emotional regulation.
People may experience euphoria when taking fentanyl. Euphoria is a rush of intense pleasure, warmth, and well-being. People may like the way they feel while taking fentanyl. They may want to take more.
Fentanyl misuse includes:
Taking larger doses of fentanyl than prescribed
Taking fentanyl more often than prescribed
Taking fentanyl for longer than your doctor told you to
Taking fentanyl without a prescription
Doctors usually prescribe fentanyl for short periods. This can reduce the risk of addiction. However, people may quickly develop tolerance to fentanyl.
Tolerance occurs when a person’s body has adjusted to an amount of a substance. People with tolerance to fentanyl may need to take more of it to get the effects they desire. Tolerance can develop in a very short period of fentanyl abuse.
In time, people may develop a physical dependence on fentanyl. This means that their body cannot function without fentanyl. If they stop taking it, they may feel intense, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
People who begin taking prescription opioids may become addicted to them. They may start taking illicit fentanyl or other opioids, including heroin.
Most people who develop fentanyl addiction or other opioid use disorders need professional help to stop using them and avoid relapse.
Recognizing Fentanyl Addiction
If you or someone you love takes fentanyl, you must learn the symptoms of fentanyl addiction and seek treatment once you recognize a problem. Misusing fentanyl in any way is very dangerous.
Fentanyl is involved in many drug overdose deaths. It is essential to know the signs of fentanyl overdose and take action immediately.
Some of the signs of an opioid overdose include:
Very small pupils
Very slow or shallow breathing
No breathing
Cold or clammy skin
Gray, blue, or pale skin
Blue fingernails or lips
Limb arms and legs
Slurring
Choking or gurgling sounds
Vomiting
Losing consciousness
Unresponsiveness
An opioid overdose is life-threatening. Call 911 right away. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if you have it. Wait with the person until help arrives.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
People with fentanyl addiction and other opioid use disorders need comprehensive treatment and ongoing support.
Fentanyl addiction treatment programs typically include:
Medically-supported detox services
Medications to reduce cravings and other symptoms
Medical care
Mental health treatment
Individual counseling
Group therapy
Family therapy and education
Relapse-prevention education
Nutrition support, art therapy, massage, mindfulness, yoga, and other holistic therapies
Aftercare planning
Fentanyl addiction treatment programs are available in several levels of care, including:
Find Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Charlotte, North Carolina
Seek treatment for substance use disorders as soon as you recognize a problem. The sooner you seek help, the faster you can regain control over your health and future.
Contact the Charlotte Detox Center team to learn about our fentanyl detox and treatment programs. You may also schedule an intake assessment or verify your insurance.
(866) 242-3814