Why is Fentanyl Dangerous?

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate that is used to control pain. You may have heard of it as Duragesic, Actiq, or Sublimaze. Fentanyl is related to other opioid prescription painkillers. It is derived from opium, which comes from the Asian poppy plant. But it is different because it is far stronger than nearly all other types of opioid-based pain relievers. For example, it is up to 100 times more powerful than the opioid-based drug morphine. Because of its potency, fentanyl is used to treat extreme pain, like what individuals experiencing terminal cancer deal with. Like other opioid pain relievers, however, this drug is extremely addictive and deadly. Fortunately, the Beaches Recovery team is knowledgeable and experienced in treating all kinds of opiate addictions like fentanyl addiction.

How Does Fentanyl Work?

As with other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by doing two things. First, it increases your body’s production of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that makes you feel relaxed and happy. It helps you forget worries and lowers your inhibitions. Fentanyl also blocks pain receptors, the reason for its use as a pain reliever.

Individuals may become addicted to fentanyl for a variety of reasons. For example, some experts say that certain individuals are predisposed to addictive behaviors because of their genetics. Social factors may also play a role. You can find this drug, like other opioid painkillers, on the black market. Used for recreational purposes, it may end up in social circles. This often happens with young people.

Most individuals addicted to Fentanyl use it because of a doctor’s prescription. They may have been experiencing chronic or acute pain or have just come out of surgery. Taking the drug for only a few days or weeks can cause tolerance and physical dependence to develop. Soon these individuals who were once only taking the drug out of necessity are now seeking it to feel its positive effects.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

The outward signs of addiction to this drug include dizziness, headaches, constipation, itching, slowed breathing, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and seizures. Those who do not have a tolerance for opioids may be at special risk for overdose. In the case of overdose, this drug can be lethal as it causes the respiratory system to depress to the point of failure. Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Low blood pressure
• Drowsiness
• Limp body
• Changes in pupillary size
• Cold and clammy skin
• Blue colored lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
• Decreased heart rate
• Reduced or loss of consciousness
• Coma

When someone evinces any of these symptoms, they need immediate medical attention.

Are You Struggling with an Addiction? Beaches Recovery Can Help

Beaches Recovery of Jacksonville, Florida, provides treatment for fentanyl addiction and addictions to other substances as well.  Because we understand that each person has unique needs, we’ve designed numerous addiction treatment programs to accommodate individuals so they get the care they need to heal. We offer the complete spectrum of care from residential rehab to outpatient treatment. You can choose from one of our many programs, including:

• Outpatient drug rehab
• Intensive outpatient program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Inpatient treatment
• Student addiction treatment
• Men’s drug addiction rehab program
• Women’s drug addiction rehab program

In addition to our core programs, we also offer detox and addiction counseling and therapy and dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with mental health disorders or mood disorders and addiction. To learn about all the programs we offer and to speak with one of our addiction specialists, give us a call at 866.605.0532, or contact us online. Today is a great day to start your recovery.

Stop allowing addiction to control your life, and take action. Call today.