Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Resources

Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine, and it is even several times stronger than heroin.[1] This drug is prescribed by physicians for severe pain, but illicit fentanyl is also manufactured on the street and is illegal and unregulated.

While both forms can be dangerous, the illegal form is far more riskier since it is often mixed with dangerous filler ingredients.

Fentanyl It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has medical use but also a high potential for addiction and abuse. On the street, many people refer to it as jackpot, murder 8, goodfellas, and dance fever. Its commercial names include Sublimaze, Duragesic, and Actiq.

Side Effects of Fentanyl

While fentanyl is effective at reducing pain, it can also cause some unpleasant side effects. Common effects include drowsiness, headaches, confusion, dizziness, difficulty urinating, and anxiety. Some people may experience extreme fatigued or abdominal pain.

When taken as prescribed, fentanyl should not produce any sense of euphoria. It will primarily alleviate a person’s pain. This is useful when a person is recovering from surgery or has a painful condition like cancer or AIDS. However, an addiction is far more likely to occur when a person starts misusing the drug. They may take more than they’re supposed to, or they may snort the substance or take it in other risky ways.

Misusing the drug allows a person to experience a sense of euphoria and relaxation. However, once the drug wears off, it may cause depression, anxiety, panic, and paranoia.

Can You Overdose on Fentanyl?

Thousands of people die every year from fentanyl overdoses. Many of these overdoses involve fentanyl mixed with other drugs, often other opioids or alcohol.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose

Most people will fall unconscious in the case of a fentanyl overdose. Hypoxia may occur, which is when the person’s breathing becomes very shallow or stops, and the person’s brain is no longer receiving any oxygen. This can lead to brain damage and death.

Because fentanyl is such a potent drug, it can be difficult to quit once an addiction forms. This is why rehab for fentanyl can be so helpful for many people. Fentanyl addiction treatment can give you all the resources and help you need to battle your addiction over several months. Therapy is at the core of this treatment and can help you learn how to tackle your problems in ways other than drug use.

To get the support you need to recover, consider outpatient treatment or detox placement. You can also consider treatment for co-ocurring disorders and trauma informed care. This will allow you to put your health and wellbeing first.