How addictive is Fentanyl? Learn more about the effects of Fentanyl on the brain in our latest article.
Fentanyl is an opioid that doctors prescribe to relieve pain. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine. As such, it used to receive the most severe pain after an injury or surgical procedure. Some patients use it for chronic pain from a terminal disease. Fentanyl comes in many forms, including a lozenge, tablet, patch, injection, or spray.
There are several Fentanyl-based products on the market, including Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze, Subsys, Abstral, and Lazanda. Due to the strength of the drug and the effect it has on the brain, Fentanyl can be highly addictive. Some patients will continue using it long after the intended prescription has ended.
Just How Addictive is Fentanyl?
How addictive is Fentanyl? It is currently at the heart of the largest opioid epidemic in history.
The increase in heroin use has now caused the opioid epidemic to reach unprecedented heights. One of the reasons for this is the consumer interest in Fentanyl. The difference, however, is that Fentanyl is nearly 50 times more potent than heroin. As such, it creates a far greater feeling of euphoria, making it extremely addictive.
When patients misuse Fentanyl, they are likely to form an addiction, which eventually leads to a dependence on the drug. It has the same effect as a street drug. A user can take Fentanyl once and get hooked instantly. Consequently, the same powerful euphoria that draws users can also lead to an overdose.
Why is Fentanyl Deadly?
How addictive is Fentanyl? Like many other drugs, addicts will continue using the drug regardless of the health risks.
One of the main reasons why Fentanyl is deadly is because addicts will continue taking the drug regardless of their decline in health or the fatal risk of overdose. Like other drugs, the euphoric effects wear off the longer a person uses the drug. To keep feeling high, an addict will increase the dosage, making the drug deadlier.
Another reason why Fentanyl is deadly is that heroin users often do not know that heroin contains Fentanyl. Most drug users do not even question what ingredients lie within a drug. Therefore, they will overdose without knowing it. This is because developers do not advertise what is in heroin. They are willing to sell it to their customers regardless of the risks.
Fentanyl Misuse and Side Effects
How Addictive is Fentanyl? It can lead to a wide range of mild to severe side effects.
Once consumed, Fentanyl quickly binds with opioid receptors in the brain. This causes the user to feel numb and high. The high is more significant than heroin because of how fast the drug binds with the opioid receptors. A tiny amount of Fentanyl can produce a significant euphoric effect.
Regardless of the high, Fentanyl can also lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory complications, sedation, or difficulty breathing. With increased use, the lungs may fail to work, and the respiratory system collapses.
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction
If you or a loved one is wondering, “How addictive is Fentanyl?” Are you concerned that you are already addicted to Fentanyl? Then get help today at Recovery Ways. We offer a comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment program that includes detox, rehab, and aftercare. To find out more, call us at 888.986.7848.
