Fentanyl Addiction, Treatment & Side Effects

Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

The opioid crisis has been impacting the lives of millions of Americans each day.  Opioid addiction has become more dangerous than ever with more drugs than ever being at risk for lethal doses of street drugs due to high concentrations of drugs laced with fentanyl. These lethal doses of street drugs have impacted the number of opioid overdoses and overdose deaths among Americans. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has an increased risk of causing severe physical dependence among drug abusers. When those with severe drug addictions to street drugs or have an opioid use disorder have the potential for experiencing severe, sometimes painful, withdrawal symptoms. An addiction treatment program will provide patients with ongoing support and monitoring from medical professionals that will ensure their safety and comfort. Muse treatment will provide patients with support through medication-assisted treatment programs that will provide them with a safe, effective method of drug rehab and addiction treatment to safely overcome their opioid use disorders. ,

What is Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl’s origins were meant to support individuals in treating severe or chronic pain in situations such as post-op surgery and or cancer patients that are in need of pain management.  When in the prescription form, fentanyl is also known as the brand names Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. Prescription or unique pharmacological fentanyl can come in form of injectable drugs, a dermal patch that is placed on your skin for slow-releasing effects, and a lozenge that is sucked on similar to a cough drop. 

Fentanyl has become distributed and manufactured illegally through the drug markets with counterfeit prescriptions where it is mixed with other street drugs in a powder form. When distributed among the drug markets, street drugs with fentanyl become dangerous as the dosage and amount of fentanyl mixed with street drugs are not regulated causing lethal doses to be created and sold among the drug markets.  This has been one of the rising factors for the growing number of individuals in the opioid crisis resulting in fentanyl overdose. 

Fentanyl Effects

Fentanyl abuse will create similar effects as other opioid drugs. Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic that can cause the following side effects for drug abusers taking fentanyl:

• Drowsiness 
• Pain relief 
• Relaxation 
• Sedation 
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Dizziness 
• Confusion 
• Euphoria 
• Urinary retention 
• Respiratory depression 

Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

Living with a  fentanyl addiction will impact a person’s life differently depending on your own unique circumstances and history of substance abuse. Depending on the severity of your opioid use disorders, you will experience a variety of signs and symptoms that will act as indicators of drug addictions. However, there are some common signs of fentanyl or opioid addiction including: 

• Developing a tolerance for fentanyl where you need to take more drugs at higher doses to  reach the same desired effect 
• Your time is consumed by your substance abuse 
• Experiencing relationship difficulties due to your drug abuse 
• Having withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking fentanyl 
• Experiencing side effects or disturbances of the functioning and health of your mental disorders. 

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl drug addictions and other opioid use disorders are highly addictive to drug abusers and can create severe sometimes painful withdrawal symptoms if not treated by the appropriate medical professionals and addiction therapists. Withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced by individuals overcoming their opioid use disorders are: 

• Stomach aches or cramps 
• Feelings of restlessness 
• Anxiety 
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Muscle and joint aches and pains 
• Increased heart rate 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Abnormal breathing 
• Fatigue or feeling weak
• Excessive Sweating 
• Chills 

Long Term Side Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl drug addictions have the potential to create severe side effects that can cause long-term impacts on drug abusers. Some long-term effects that individuals will experience are:  

• Constipation
• Opioid use disorders 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Changes in weight 
• Impulsive behaviors
• Concerns with menstrual cycles in women 
• Sexual problems in men

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Muse treatment centers offer a comprehensive treatment plan that enables Los Angeles drug rehab participants with the highest levels of care to safely overcome their fentanyl addiction. No matter what your history is with drug addictions, you will be provided with an individualized treatment program that is designed to meet your individual needs for addiction recovery and addiction treatment. Contact us today to hear more about the specific evidence-based therapy methods offered including our medication-assisted treatment program that will ensure your physical health and mental disorders are maintained and supported throughout your recovery journey.