Did you know that just one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people? Provided by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this telling fact opens your eyes to fentanyl’s dangers as an illegal drug. In spite of this, fentanyl’s influence continues to rise, as more than 67% of drug overdoses in the US involve fentanyl, shares the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse. That means it’s entirely fair to be concerned if you think your loved one is abusing fentanyl. And knowing what fentanyl addiction symptoms look like can be a pivotal step in helping them break free from the grip of this dangerous drug.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid designed to relieve pain. It’s made and used legally in the medical field to treat patients with severe, chronic pain, advanced-stage cancer, or any severe pain post-surgery. The DEA shares that fentanyl works similarly to morphine, but it’s actually 100 times more potent. A licensed medical professional may prescribe fentanyl to their patients. Yet even with its legitimate medical use, these professionals still need to monitor their patients for potential signs of fentanyl addiction or abuse.
Because of fentanyl’s high potency and addictive properties, it’s an ideal drug for illegal drug manufacturers. It’s even known as China Girl, Apache, Great Bear, Dance Fever, and other names when purchased on the street. Consequently, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is often made in foreign labs and sold illegally or mixed with other illegal drugs. After all, adding IMF to other drugs makes them cheaper and more addictive—a real boon for drug traffickers—shares the Oregon Health Authority.
Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms: What’s Going On Behind the Scenes
When your loved one takes illegal fentanyl, they may be doing so knowingly or unknowingly. This is because other opioids purchased on the street can be secretly laced with fentanyl. Regardless of whether your loved one knowingly consumes fentanyl or ingests it through other street drugs, they’re playing a dangerous game. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is enough to kill, shares the DEA.
But why do fentanyl addiction symptoms actually happen? What makes this potent drug so addictive? As a pain reliever, fentanyl causes relaxation, sedation, and a sense of euphoria in your body. As it does, your brain releases substantial amounts of dopamine, which is the chemical that signals to you that the experience is rewarding and pleasurable. Because of this dopamine, you’re motivated to seek out more fentanyl to replicate the feel-good experience it provides.
As you take more fentanyl, the regular supply of dopamine your brain generates causes you to build up a tolerance for the feel-good euphoria. Eventually, its effects aren’t as strong, so you need to take more fentanyl more often to achieve the same dopamine rush. As you do however, your brain can develop a chemical dependence on this dopamine, so you feel compelled to take fentanyl; you can’t function without it. At this point, you’re abusing it regularly and showing symptoms of fentanyl addiction.
Common Fentanyl Addiction Signs and Symptoms
If your loved one is abusing fentanyl, there are some key fentanyl addiction symptoms and signs that are notably recognizable. That means if you’re seeing the signs, you can take action before your loved one accidentally takes a lethal dose of the drug—or succumbs to its long-term consequences. So what should you look out for? Here are some common symptoms and signs of fentanyl addiction:
Physical Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
- Sudden weight loss
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Pupil constriction
- Recurring headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory problems
- Sedation
- Unconsciousness
- Hand or foot swelling
- Increased heart rate
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using fentanyl
Cognitive and Behavioral Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
- Strong cravings for fentanyl
- Acquiring fentanyl through illegal means
- Spending large amounts of time seeking out or using fentanyl
- Continuing to use fentanyl once your prescription runs out
- Continuing to use fentanyl despite its negative consequences
- Withdrawing socially
- Neglecting work, school, or personal obligations
- Declining interest in hobbies or favorite activities
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Confusion
- Putting yourself in dangerous situations to obtain or use fentanyl
- Developing a tolerance for fentanyl that requires you to use more of it
- Hallucinations
- Forging prescriptions
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple fentanyl prescriptions
Recognizing Any Addiction Warning Signs? Here’s What You Can Do
When your loved one has a fentanyl addiction, they may want to quit, but the withdrawal symptoms they experience prevents them from breaking free. These withdrawal symptoms may include strong cravings, sweating, stomach cramps, vomiting, muscle spasms, restless sleep, and more. Because the body expects a regular supply of fentanyl, overcoming an addiction becomes more than just quitting through willpower or behavioral changes.
So what can you do for your loved one if you recognize any fentanyl addiction signs in their life? While you can start by informing them of the dangers of fentanyl, they really need to participate in fentanyl rehab if they truly want to heal. Getting professional help allows them to detox safely from the drug’s presence in their body while also giving them the resources, accountability, and therapy they need to directly address and overcome the root causes of their addiction.
If you’re seeking a fentanyl treatment facility for your loved one, we can help at Integrative Life Center. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program in Nashville, TN uses personalized, trauma-informed care to heal the underlying issues driving your loved one’s addiction. As a result of our holistic treatment approach, your loved one is empowered to maintain their sobriety long after treatment ends. To learn how we can help your loved one reclaim their life, contact us now.
