Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid commonly used as a pain killer. A doctor prescribes it for patients recovering from surgery as a short-term aid. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe fentanyl for chronic pain as a long-term treatment option. One of the dangers of fentanyl is that it has a much higher potency than morphine and other drugs.
Fentanyl alleviates pain symptoms and produces relaxation or euphoria. For this reason, the drug can be highly addictive. Although fentanyl does contain beneficial medical uses, it is still a hazardous drug. It has the potential of fatal overdose. Overdoses are a common occurrence as users commonly increase their dosage as their tolerance increases. If you are struggling with fentanyl use, contact a fentanyl addiction treatment program in UT.
Prescription and Illicit Use
Regardless of the dangers of Fentanyl, doctors prescribe the medication to patients through a tablet, shot, or a patch. The amount of fentanyl within a prescription contains the proper dosage to reduce pain. Additionally, fentanyl is a synthetic drug, similar to other opioids. That means that pharmacists make it in a laboratory rather than being derived from natural sources. Major brands of fentanyl include Actiq, Sublimaze, and Duragesic.
Often, users also obtain fentanyl illegally on the street for illicit use. Street pushers sell fentanyl as a nasal spray, powder, or pills resembling a standard prescribed medication. It is common for distributors to combine fentanyl with other drugs. When you combine fentanyl with cocaine, MDMA, or meth, it can create stronger hallucinations in the user. In the streets, fentanyl is often referred to by the names of Jackpot, China White, China Girl, Tango & Cash, or Apache.
Psychological Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, which are areas of the brain that maintain pain and emotions. At first, your brain will accept fentanyl, and you will experience relief from a low dosage.
Continued usage requires a higher dosage over time as you build up a tolerance to its effects. Higher dosages of fentanyl can lead to dangerous side effects, including the following:
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Disorientation or confusion
- Chronic fatigue or drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical help immediately. Also, finding help for your addiction is just as important. Overdose can lead to severe medical issues or fatality.
Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
Treatment plans for fentanyl addiction include detox, inpatient or outpatient care, and long-term support via a support group. Drug rehabilitation specialists can provide treatments and therapies, including the following:
- Programs specialized for drug rehabilitation
- Holistic therapies to benefit overall personal wellness
- Individual as well as group therapy
- Hospitalization for a finite period
- Dual diagnosis for mental health issues and addiction
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Get Help Today at a Drug Rehabilitation Center
Learn more about the dangers of fentanyl at Recovery Ways. We offer complete treatment for fentanyl addiction. Take advantage of our full detox and treatment plan we provide to help you recover from substance abuse. Contact us online or call us today at 888.986.7848 to get started with your treatment.
