Did you know that just 2 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to kill someone? To give you some perspective, that’s equal to about 10 to 15 grains of table salt, according to Texas Health and Human Services. Fentanyl is incredibly dangerous when used illegally. Yet in spite of these dangers, fentanyl’s influence continues to expand across the United States (about 70% of US overdose deaths in 2023 were fentanyl-related, shares the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). If you think your loved one may be one of those using fentanyl illegally, it’s understandable to be worried. However, learning to recognize what fentanyl addiction symptoms look like can be a key way for you to help them achieve sobriety in the long run.
Understanding Illegal Fentanyl Usage
As a synthetic opioid, fentanyl is made and used for pain relief. It’s a legal drug in the medical field, primarily used for helping patients with severe pain post-surgery, advanced-stage cancer, or debilitating, chronic pain. It’s similar to morphine, but incredibly more potent. A doctor may prescribe fentanyl to their patients, but they’ll still monitor their use for any potential signs of fentanyl addiction or dependency. That’s because fentanyl can be highly addictive.
Consequently, fentanyl is a preferred drug of choice for illegal drug manufacturers, thanks to its addictive properties and extreme potency. On the street, fentanyl goes by names such as Dance Fever, Great Bear, and Apache. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is typically made in clandestine foreign labs and sold directly on the street or mixed with other illegal drugs. That’s because the presence of IMF in prescription opioids for example makes them not only more addictive, but cheaper to make, putting more money in the drug dealers’ pockets.
What Actually Causes Fentanyl Abuse?
Your loved one may know they’re using fentanyl, or it’s entirely possible that they have no idea. Because fentanyl is such a profit boon for illegal drug makers, your loved one may be purchasing pills off the street that are secretly laced with fentanyl. And since fentanyl is so deadly, your loved one may be in danger of overdosing, whether they know it or not.
But what’s the cause behind fentanyl addiction symptoms? Why is such a drug so addictive? It’s all about what fentanyl does to your body behind the scenes. Since it’s a pain reliever, fentanyl produces relaxing, sedative, and euphoric effects. When it does, your brain releases a large amount of the pleasure chemical dopamine. Thanks to this dopamine rush, you remember fentanyl as rewarding, so you want to seek out more of it to repeat the good feelings it generated.
As you continue to take fentanyl, this steady rush of dopamine causes your brain to build up a tolerance. That means the pleasure isn’t as strong as it used to be, so you must take more fentanyl more often to get the same effects. Taking more fentanyl over time however can cause your brain to develop a chemical dependence on this steady supply of dopamine. Consequently, you start needing fentanyl to function, so you begin to have symptoms of fentanyl addiction.
Standard Symptoms and Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
If you think your loved one may be on fentanyl, there are some common fentanyl addiction symptoms to look out for. By knowing how to recognize these signs, you can step in and help—before they accidentally take a lethal dose or experience any long-term consequences. So what should you pay attention to in their life? Here are some standard fentanyl addiction signs and symptoms:
Physical Fentanyl Addiction Signs
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Sudden weight loss
- Chronic headaches
- Constricted pupils
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Respiratory problems
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Sedation
- Increased heart rate
- Experiencing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms
- Swelling in feet or hands
- Insomnia
Behavioral and Cognitive Fentanyl Addiction Signs
- Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Losing interest in favorite activities
- Obtaining fentanyl illegally
- Spending inordinate time obtaining or using fentanyl
- Using fentanyl after your prescription ends
- Strong fentanyl cravings
- Using fentanyl despite any negative consequences
- Putting yourself in danger to get or use fentanyl
- Forging prescriptions
- Doctor shopping to get several fentanyl prescriptions
- Having a fentanyl tolerance that requires increased usage
- Anxiety or depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
What if You Start Recognizing Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms?
Even if your loved one wants to overcome their fentanyl addiction, withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and strong cravings can often get in the way. So if you start seeing the symptoms of fentanyl addiction in their life, how can you help? While they need to know the risks of fentanyl, it’s also important that you help your loved one understand that they need to seek professional addiction treatment if they truly want to break free from fentanyl’s grip. Behavior modification and self-discipline won’t work alone.
In fentanyl rehab, your loved one can safely detox from fentanyl and receive the therapy and guidance they need to heal their addiction at its source. At Sana at Stowe in Stowe, VT, we can help your loved one break the cycle of drug addiction and overcome any co-occurring disorders at the same time. Our fentanyl addiction treatment program puts them in the best position to achieve sobriety and stay healthy long-term. To learn more about our treatment options, call us today.
