Fentanyl, a potent opioid, poses a high risk of accidental overdose. Its frequent mixing with other substances has become a major challenge, making it hard to detect and increasing the overdose risk. Fentanyl addiction can also be challenging to overcome due to its highly addictive nature. However, this condition is treatable with fentanyl addiction treatment and a strong support system.
Woodland Recovery Center provides addiction treatment with supportive and evidence-based therapies to aid individuals in overcoming fentanyl addiction—contact 662.222.2989 for more information about our fentanyl addiction treatment at Woodland Recovery Center.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. There are two main types: pharmaceutical fentanyl produced in a lab and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The strength of both types means the risk of fatal overdose is high.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is often distributed in forms that include:
- Lozenges or “lollipops”
- Sublingual tablets
- Sublingual sprays
- Nasal sprays
- Transdermal patches
- Injectable solution
Pharmaceutically produced fentanyl often comes with ingredient and dosage information, which can lead people to believe that it is safer and poses less overdose risk than other kinds of fentanyl. However, any amount of fentanyl can be deadly when a medical professional does not administer it.
Identifying Fentanyl Side Effects
Being aware of these effects can help one recognize potential misuse or overdose situations. Some common side effects of fentanyl use include:
- Drowsiness or extreme sedation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion and impaired thinking
- Trouble breathing or slowed breathing
- Pinpoint pupils, which appear smaller than usual
It’s important for individuals, their families, and caregivers to be aware of these signs. Quick recognition and response can make a vital difference in managing an emergency situation effectively.
5 Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl has become so widespread in recent years that often, people don’t even realize they’re taking it. Here are five dangers involving fentanyl addiction. Knowing these fentanyl warnings and risks can help spread information about the deadly results of using this drug.
1. Fentanyl Is 50 Times Stronger than Heroin
Fentanyl is much more potent than other opioids. The CDC states that it’s about 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. This means that one dose of fentanyl can be equivalent to taking 100 doses of morphine at one time.
2. Even Small Doses Can Be Fatal
Fentanyl’s potency means that even a small dose can have a fatal outcome. This is especially true when someone is accustomed to using a less potent opioid, like heroin. It also means there’s a very slight difference between a dose that gets a person high and a dose that causes death.
3. Fentanyl Is One of the Leading Causes of Overdose Death
In recent years, fentanyl has been a leading cause of overdose deaths. It’s hard to tell exactly how many deaths are caused by fentanyl because overdose deaths are often tracked by drug categories rather than specific types.
4. Determining Fentanyl Dosage Can Be Challenging
Fentanyl has no taste or smell. This means that unless you use fentanyl test strips with each dose, it’s impossible to tell how strong a dose is and whether fentanyl has been added to another drug, like cocaine or heroin. When you can’t gauge the strength of a dose, there’s a much higher chance of accidentally taking a fatal amount.
5. Fentanyl Is Often Added to Other Drugs
One of the most important fentanyl warnings that anyone who uses illicit drugs should know is that there’s a high chance of accidentally taking fentanyl, even when you don’t think you’re taking an opioid.
Because of fentanyl’s strength, it has become a common practice for dealers to mix fentanyl with other drugs to increase the potency. Even drugs that aren’t opioids, like cocaine, meth, and MDMA, can be laced with fentanyl.
The Long-Term Dangers of Fentanyl Use
Chronic use of this potent opioid can lead to severe physical, psychological, and social consequences, underscoring the importance of seeking professional help to overcome addiction. Some of the significant long-term dangers of fentanyl include:
- Physical health decline – Including the risk of heart disease, liver damage, and weakened immune system
- Mental health challenges – Such as depression, anxiety, and an increased risk of experiencing psychotic episodes
- Dependency and tolerance – Where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, leading to an increased risk of overdose
- Social and relational issues – Including isolation from loved ones, job loss, and financial instability
- Cognitive impairments – Affecting memory, decision-making, and the ability to manage daily life activities
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Woodland Recovery Center. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing the support, guidance, and comprehensive care needed to navigate the path to recovery and restore hope for a healthier, fentanyl-free future.
Contact Woodland Recovery Center for Addiction Support and Treatment
Woodland Recovery Center is a leading provider of fentanyl addiction treatment in Mississippi. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to effectively help patients stop using fentanyl from day one. Our compassionate team of professionals is committed to providing individualized care and support to help our patients achieve lasting recovery from fentanyl addiction.
Call us today at 662.222.2989 or contact us online to learn more about our specialized programs and how we can help you or your loved one start the journey toward a substance-free life.
