What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used to treat people with severe pain. It is also used after major surgeries for the treatment of the associated pain and for those who experience chronic pain with tolerance to other opioids. Prescription fentanyl is known by names such as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®. This Schedule II prescription drug is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more powerful, rendering it highly addictive and dangerous when misused. When used under medical supervision for medical purposes, fentanyl can be useful for pain management, however, this is not the case with illicit fentanyl.

Illicit fentanyl is made in underground, mostly foreign labs. Street names for fentanyl are Apace, China Town, China Girl, Dance Fever, China White, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Poison and Tango and Cash. This dangerous and highly addictive drug is smuggled into the United States through Mexico and distributed on the illegal drug market. Fentanyl is added to various types of other drugs in order to increase potency and addictive properties. Today, fentanyl has been found in various drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA, and even marijuana.

The low cost of fentanyl and its addictive properties are two reasons why it is being mixed with other drugs. The low cost and availability of fentanyl contribute to this deadly and growing problem. This dangerous practice has led to a jump in overdose deaths from illicit drugs. Many unsuspecting users of drugs like cocaine and marijuana are even more susceptible as they most likely have never used any type of opioid, therefore the levels of fentanyl for them can be immediately lethal.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), drug dealers typically sell fentanyl by kilogram. One kilogram of fentanyl has the ability to kill 500,000 people. In addition, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2017, 59% of opioid-related overdose deaths involved fentanyl as compared to 14.3% in 2010. There’s no question—fentanyl and the practice of mixing it with other drugs is killing thousands of people. Awareness of this is needed in order to save lives.

Naloxone or Narcan are used to reverse the effects of opioids during a fentanyl overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it attaches to opioid receptors and blocks and reverses the actions of other opioids. Naloxone is administered when a fentanyl (or other opiate) user has stopped breathing. It often comes in a nasal spray form and is used by medical people, drug dealers, and drug users during an opioid overdose. Naloxone (Narcan) has no effect on a person who hasn't overdosed. Naloxone is administered for oxycodone, heroin, morphine, codeine, and other opiate-based drugs. Only medical practitioners can legally use naloxone, but it is common on the streets. Still, there are many overdose deaths each year. Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH).

How Does Fentanyl Affect The Body?

When prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl is administered through a shot, a fentanyl patch, or even lozenges. Illicit fentanyl comes as a powder, on blotter paper, as a liquid in eye droppers or nasal sprays, or made into a tablet to resemble other opioid pills.

Additionally, as mentioned, fentanyl is being added to other drugs, and users are taking it—often unknowingly—in these drugs; cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA, heroin, and even marijuana.

Once consumed, fentanyl acts on the opioid receptors in the brain which control pain and emotions. When opioids are repeatedly taken, the brain’s natural ability to feel pleasure is decreased, leaving the user to seek more of the drug just to feel normal emotions. Once addiction has set in, which happens quickly with all opioids particularly fentanyl, drug-seeking behaviors take over the person’s life.

Side Effects of Fentanyl

Illicit fentanyl is rarely taken by itself but is taken mixed with other drugs as mentioned. Depending on what drug it is mixed into the side effects can vary. For example, the effects of fentanyl mixed with cocaine will be some mix of effects between both drugs. It’s also important to note that side effects are also dependent on factors unique to the individual such as weight and health if they have used opioids before, what other drugs they are taking, and how potent the fentanyl is.

Short-term side effects can include:

Long-term side effects can include:

If the person using fentanyl is using it with another drug and injecting it, there is an increased risk for developing HIV/AIDS as well as hepatitis B and C.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

A person taking prescription fentanyl can become addicted as well as a person who is taking illicit fentanyl. Since illicit fentanyl is rarely taken alone, the signs of fentanyl addiction can be hard to spot. The person may be addicted to another drug, such as cocaine, whose side effects are very different from those of fentanyl.

As with all addictions, the signs to look for are as follows:

• Compulsive drug-seeking behaviors

• Drug-seeking habits that are difficult to control or stop

• Continuing using the drug despite detrimental effects such as
  

  • Relationship problems

  • Issues at work or school

  • Financial issues

  • Issues with the law or authority

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping taking fentanyl

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

When a person stops taking prescription fentanyl or another drug laced with illicit fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can occur within just a few hours. Many of these symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and challenging to navigate without medical supervision.

Withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week or so with days one through three being the most difficult.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

Behavioral Withdrawal Symptoms

Many of these symptoms can be so uncomfortable that the person trying to stop taking fentanyl will relapse. This is one reason why seeking treatment for a fentanyl addition at an addiction treatment center is highly recommended for anyone who is trying to stop taking fentanyl. There are medications that can help to ease some of these difficult withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

There are some medications and devices that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can help to ease the symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal, especially during the acute phase. Two of these are: Lofexidine, a non-opioid treatment for opioid (including fentanyl) withdrawal and an NSS-2 Bridge device, which is a small electrical nerve stimulator. The NSS-2 is placed behind the ear and eases symptoms for up to five days.

In addition, there are medications used to reduce cravings and symptoms of withdrawal such as buprenorphine and methadone. Naltrexone is used to block the effects of fentanyl and other opioids if taken.

Behavioral therapies are an essential part of treatment for an addiction to opioids such as fentanyl. These therapies help individuals to change their thinking and behaviors related to drug and drug use as well as develop healthy coping skills and habits.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be successful in the treatment of fentanyl addiction. Contingency management or motivational approaches are also useful. With these, the individual is rewarded for not using the drug and for negative drug tests.

Another helpful behavioral therapy for fentanyl addiction is motivational interviewing. During this type of therapy, the counselor helps the individual to uncover their mixed feelings about stopping taking fentanyl and changing their lifestyle.

No matter how bad an addiction to fentanyl or another opioid may be, it’s vital to realize that there are effective treatments and you or your loved one can recover. At Caron, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to recover from addiction. We offer transformational care and lifelong recovery. Call us today at 1-800-854-6023 or contact us online.