Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs, and it’s fiercely addictive. A synthetic opioid that’s 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin, fentanyl was developed to treat severe pain. In recent years, illicit fentanyl use has become a growing problem. The drug is often mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, so many people don’t know they are taking it.
Fentanyl addiction can be aggravating and disruptive, but it’s treatable with the right evidence-based therapies. Read on to learn more about the most common fentanyl addiction signs and how to recalibrate your life if you’ve been misusing synthetic opioids.
Fentanyl is a man-made opioid that’s used to treat severe pain. It’s much stronger than other painkillers like morphine and it’s many magnitudes stronger than heroin, too. Doctors may prescribe fentanyl for cancer patients or those recovering from surgery. In medical settings, fentanyl is given as a patch, lozenge, or injection.
Fentanyl is also commonly made and sold on the black market. Many people don’t know they’re taking this lethal drug because traffickers often mix it with substances like heroin, cocaine, and meth to make these drugs stronger. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose—just a few grains can be fatal.
Fentanyl acts on the opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors control how people feel pleasure and pain. When someone uses fentanyl, the drug triggers intense euphoria and relaxation. This powerful high can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
Although it is legal to produce fentanyl in the US for medical use, most fentanyl in the US is produced illegally and sold on the street.
Fentanyl is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs due to its potency and the way it affects the brain. When the drug enters the body, it produces a rush of euphoria that’s much more intense than that produced by other opioids. The brain learns to crave this feeling. Over time, it becomes hard for the person to feel pleasure from anything else. This is how addiction to fentanyl starts.
Fentanyl works by increasing amounts of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that governs pleasure and reward. Normally, the brain releases dopamine when you eat good food, exercise, or spend time with loved ones. When someone uses fentanyl, though, the drug floods the brain with dopamine all at once. The brain gets used to this deluge of dopamine and starts to rely on it to feel good—this is called dependence. When someone is dependent on fentanyl, they will experience intensely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it.
Fentanyl is the most powerful opioid available. It’s 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine [1] [2].
Withdrawal from fentanyl can be challenging without medical supervision. Common symptoms include:
Withdrawal symptoms typically manifest 12 to 24 hours after the last use and persist for days or weeks. It is inadvisable and potentially dangerous to withdraw from fentanyl without medical guidance and continuous supervision.
Fentanyl addiction happens quickly for many reasons, including:
Short duration
Although anyone who uses fentanyl is at risk of dependence developing rapidly, the following factors increase the likelihood of someone becoming addicted:
Identifying the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction can help you or a loved one kickstart your recovery. These symptoms can be physical, behavioral, and psychological.
Fentanyl powerfully affects the body. Common physical markers of addiction include:
Drug addiction changes how people act. If someone is addicted to fentanyl, you may notice the following behaviors:
Most people require professional help when trying to stop using fentanyl. Although every addiction is different, treatment for fentanyl addiction usually follows a similar pathway.
The first and most fundamental step is detox. This is when the body eliminates fentanyl, addressing the issue of physical dependence. Detoxing can be challenging due to the presentation of the withdrawal symptoms outlined above.
In a supervised detox program, medical professionals help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the process, administering medications to alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Following detox, ongoing treatment helps you tackle the psychological side of fentanyl addiction. Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab center for 30 to 90 days. This usually works best for those with severe addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Outpatient treatment offers the same services during weekday sessions, enabling you to return home after therapy. This option is more flexible and affordable, and it’s suitable for anyone with a milder fentanyl addiction and a stable home environment.
Fentanyl addictions respond positively to medication-assisted treatment. MAT blends FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine with talk therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and counseling. Most rehabs also offer group therapy, family therapy, and holistic interventions to supplement MAT.
Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. Aftercare may involve ongoing outpatient treatment and access to peer support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous). This can help people stay drug-free long-term, thriving rather than just surviving after rehab.
Finding the right treatment for fentanyl addiction can seem overwhelming. Here’s how to find suitable support:
Fentanyl addiction usually gets worse if untreated, but tailored and evidence-based treatment can help you get sober and stay sober long-term. We can help you with this at Tree House Recovery.
Call (855) 202-2138 now to speak with a compassionate specialist who can guide you through the next steps. Your journey to recovery starts with one call—reach out to our fentanyl rehab today.
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