If you have heard of names like Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Apace, China Girl, Tango & Cash, or Dance Fever, you will know that we are speaking of Fentanyl – the synthetic opioid that’s around a hundred times more powerful than morphine.
Fentanyl was developed pharmaceutically for pain management purposes in cancer patients. However, as it is a potent opioid, it was soon diverted to abuse. In fact, cases of Fentanyl addiction are at an all-time high now.
Primarily manufactured in Mexico, Fentanyl is added to heroin to increase its potency and sometimes even sold as super strong heroin, which has led to a lot of overdose deaths as abusers are unaware they are buying fentanyl.
How it engages the user
Due to its effect as an effective pain reliever, it is used to counter pain. Initially, most users take it as prescribed. However, they are lured by the intense feeling of euphoria, also called ‘high’, and start taking far more than the initial dose.
It is available in the form of white powder, lollipops, patches, or dissolving tongue films and pills.
Signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse
Doctors at California drug rehab say that there are several signs you can watch out for when checking for fentanyl abuse. These are:
- Slow heart rate
- Depression
- Trouble in walking
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Weakness
- Slow breathing
- Confusion
- Shaking
- Sleepiness
Many users also exhibit:
- Itching and scratching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Slurred speech
- Pinpointed pupils
- Visual hallucinations
There are several scary long-term effects of fentanyl abuse. These are:
- Social isolation
- Paranoia
- Constipation, bowel obstruction, and perforation
- Delusions
- Changed personality
- Weakened immune system
- Breathing issues and seizures
Most rehabs have three treatment methods to help users distance themselves from drug use. These are as follows.
- Medical detox: To help the user escape from fentanyl addiction, they are made to undergo medical detoxification, which allows for gradual weaning from the drug while managing the withdrawal symptoms and acute cravings in a safe environment.
- Inpatient treatment: This method involves a 24/7 stay in a rehab where you are constantly monitored by a team of medical professionals to support and guide you out of the addiction. This is a great option for long-term users and polysubstance users.
- Outpatient treatment: In this method, there are several options like day treatment which involves partial hospitalization and 4-5 hours of healing techniques done 5 days a week, intensive treatment, which involves 2-3 hours of healing techniques done for 2 days a week and standard outpatient treatment which is 1-2 sessions per week. The last option is more like aftercare and is considered best for people who have already undergone intensive de addiction programs.
If you think a loved one could be addicted to fentanyl, you should check for a ‘drug rehab near me’ immediately. It could mean the difference between life and death, as when fentanyl is mixed with heroin, the abuser could go into respiratory distress, which can lead to coma and even death.
