Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine but much more powerful. The dangers of Fentanyl include negative physical consequences, drug abuse, drug addiction, overdose, and even death. In the United States, it’s a legal drug used to treat pain but is commonly misused illegally.

It’s used responsibly when prescribed for chronic or severe pain after surgery. When misused for other desired effects, it can often lead to addiction and overdose.

In its prescription form, the name of Fentanyl is known as Actiq, Sublimaze, and Duragesic. When misused, it has several different street names

In this blog, we’ll look at the dangers of Fentanyl, signs, and symptoms of abuse and addiction, and how to protect yourself or a loved one, including treatment. At Emerge Healing Center, we want you to know we’re skilled in treating Fentanyl addiction and have hope for lasting healing for you or your loved one.

Fentanyl Use and Physical Effects

Fentanyl ingestion occurs in many different ways. These include oral methods such as lozenges (fentanyl “lollipops”), tablets, sprays, patches, and injections. In other words, users can inject, snort, sniff, smoke, or swallow, depending on which version of the drug they have.

Usually, fentanyl is used when mixed with other drugs. This is done to get the effects of both drugs. You can imagine how this can be dangerous, specifically for overdosing. Fentanyl use spans all ages and genders, and increases each year, adding to the overarching Opioid epidemic.

Since its creation, the effects of the drug have made it a popular choice for drug users. Its seemingly pleasant physical and mental effects have made it one of the most trafficked drugs in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids increases dramatically each year.

Again, there’s a reason why this drug is misused so frequently. The most prominent short-term side effect is an intense feeling of euphoria and pain relief.

Dangers of Fentanyl

Like other opioids, the more you use Fentanyl, the more you need to ingest to feel the desired effects. That cycle is what often leads to addiction, overdose, and death.

In addition to euphoria, other physical effects of fentanyl use in the beginning include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Confusion
Fatigue
Balance problems
Slowed blood pressure
Slurred speech
Respiratory depression

Long-term use can lead to more severe side effects such as menstrual cycle issues, reduced sex drive, mood swings, respiratory issues, and addiction.

Call Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, then call Emerge Healing Center today. We can help you find which fentanyl treatment center in Alpharetta is appropriate for your situation.

770-573-0055

Fentanyl Addiction

It’s reported that 3 million US citizens and 16 million worldwide have or do suffer from opioid use disorder, many of which are fentanyl. When used under medical supervision, the drug can be useful, but the illegal form is different. It can also be found in other drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and even marijuana.

Also, like other opioids, it works by attaching to the body’s opioid receptors, which is the area of the brain that controls emotions and pain. As an individual uses more, the brain adapts, making it hard to feel the pleasures of the drug.

Largely due to the overprescription of opioids in the late 90s and early 2000s, these painkillers are the most commonly abused drug in the country today. Drugs like codeine, Vicodin, and OxyContin are easily obtainable, even without a prescription. Today, opioids are responsible for over half of all overdose deaths, even in cases where people weren’t intentionally taking them due to the problematic lacing of other drugs with potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Here are common signs to look out for with a Fentanyl addiction:

Drug-seeking behaviors such as putting the desire for the drug above anything else
Continue use after severe negative consequences such as work or school issues, financial problems, and relationships ending
Having withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using fentanyl

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

Muscle aches and pains
Intense craving for fentanyl
Diarrhea and vomiting
Insomnia
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Uncontrollable leg movements
Loss of appetite
Cold flashes
Depressions and anxiety
Irritability

Dangers of Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl overdoses are extremely common. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the country. That is due to the number of people using it and how Fentanyl is often mixed with other illicit drugs.

Sometimes, users ingest lethal levels of fentanyl without even knowing.

Knowing the signs of a fentanyl overdose is essential in getting someone the help they need. These include:

Limp body
Blue-colored fingernails and lips
Slowed breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Low blood pressure
Loss of consciousness
Clammy skin

If you see someone with any of the above symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you or a loved one is struggling with abusing fentanyl or a fentanyl addiction, treatment is available and hope is not lost.

Studies show that medication, along with behavioral therapies, is most effective when treating fentanyl addiction. These therapies can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and other counseling.

Getting Treatment

If you or a loved one are currently dealing with fentanyl addiction and would like to know more about treatment options in Alpharetta, contact us today. At Emerge Healing Center, our team can help you decide which program is right for you and help you gain control of your life.

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need help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with the dangers of fentanyl addiction then we are here for you. Please give us a call today so you can begin the journey of a lifetime.