Fentanyl is one of the most commonly used drugs in our nation. This is due to its high potency and how addictive the drug is. Fentanyl packs a punch with every hit and is often non-responsive to life-saving measures like Naloxone.
If you or a loved one are using fentanyl and you are ready and want a change, contact Impact Wellness Network today. Our group of highly trained professionals is ready to support you through detoxification, treatment, and recovery. With multiple locations and therapeutic treatments available through our network, Impact Wellness is here for you.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid created to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 80-100 times stronger than other prescription opioids like morphine. Fentanyl’s fast-acting and heavy-hitting doses have caused spikes in opioid-related overdose deaths in the last 5 years.
Illegally, this drug is most commonly found in pill form, designed to knock off the similarities to other opioids. When this drug is legally prescribed for cancer patients or those undergoing serious medical procedures, it can be found in patch form.
Fentanyl can cause users to feel:
- “Extreme happiness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Problems breathing
- Unconsciousness”
The extreme variations in reaction to this drug indicate that individuals who are prescribed this medication should be monitored throughout use. If you use this drug illegally, contact Impact Wellness Network today.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
Fentanyl is extremely addictive and overpowering for the system. Individuals who use fentanyl are more likely to overdose based on variations in amount and potency than other opioids.
Overdose of fentanyl can cause:
- “Small constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin”
When this occurs, there is an opioid overdose reversal drug called Naloxone/Narcan that can help. However, sometimes Fentanyl is too powerful to be stopped by this opioid blocker and an individual may not respond at all or may need multiple doses.
Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is so dangerous because of the combination of what it is and what it can do. Fentanyl is an opioid that impacts the opioid pain receptors in the body and depresses the surrounding functions to relieve pain. Fentanyl takes the feeling of medically prescribed morphine and multiples it by 80-100 times the potency. This makes this drug extremely likely to overdose.
Additionally, street-cut fentanyl, because of its illegal reproduction, is often mixed with other drugs. This causes it to be extremely dangerous for the body. The strength of this opioid, when mixed with other drugs can cause adverse reactions, overdose, and death.
How To Get Off Fentanyl Safely
The best and safest way to get off Fentanyl is through a certified opioid treatment program. Starting with detoxification, working through residential treatment, and transitioning to less frequent, yet still consistent, is the best way.
Fentanyl is addictive and dangerous, and its effects are long-lasting. Individuals who are ready for a change should look into comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs. The physicians, clinicians, and medical support staff in these treatment centers are familiar with the hazardous withdrawal symptoms, and the lengthy recovery process, and supported after and alumni care for individuals working to successfully maintain sobriety.
Contact Impact Wellness Network Today!
