Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid prescribed to individuals who have already built a tolerance to other pain medication. And since it is highly potent, individuals using this narcotic drug have a high tendency of becoming addicted to its use. Fentanyl is a synthetic pharmaceutical drug that is more than 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Basically, it is used to relieve chronic pain particularly after surgery or during cancer treatment. More so, Fentanyl can be found in different forms such as path, tablet, lozenge and spray
Fentanyl has many different street names including but not limited to China girl, China white, apache, dance fever, crush and TNT. The main function of fentanyl is to block the brain’s pain receptors and stimulate the production of happiness-inducing chemical dopamine. If you or your loved one is suffering from fentanyl addiction, it is recommended that you seek professional help immediately
Side effect
Just like every other potent drugs, continuous use of fentanyl can lead to addiction and abuse regardless of its prescription form. This is because it has a high potential for addiction. And for those using fentanyl at unprescribed levels, you may experience the following outward symptoms
- Slowed breathing
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching
If you don’t have tolerance to opioids, fentanyl abuse will definitely cause severe damage to your body. The drug’s already elevated risk of overdose increases when it is abused by an individual without tolerance. It may be surprising to know that some addict will prefer to mix fentanyl with illicit narcotics like heroin or stimulant like cocaine to further increase its high level. Little did they know that it increases the damaging side effects of the drug. Regardless of whether or not it is prescribed, fentanyl is a volatile and potentially lethal drug.
Signs of fentanyl addiction
This narcotic drug affects the central nervous system, resulting in the excess release of dopamine to the brain to alter its functionality. As a result of these changes, anyone using this prescription drug might end up getting addicted to it. And once the prescriptions have been exhausted, they might resort to illegal means of getting it. Fentanyl use can escalate from abuse to addiction within the shortest time possible.
Treatment
With the many symptoms and side effects of fentanyl addiction, it can be difficult for a sufferer to cut its use. As a result, they need professional help. Trying to stop use on your own might lead nowhere. Fortunately, there are treatment centers equipped with the tools and resources to help sufferers get rid of fentanyl addiction. These center offer both inpatient and outpatient resources to help addicts get over this narcotic drug.
In truth, fentanyl addiction can be a challenging task to overcome, but despite the challenges, getting over this addiction is possible. The key factor to achieving success is focus and determination.
