Fentanyl Addiction, Effects, and Treatment Options
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Although it can be legally prescribed through a doctor to help alleviate severe pain, typically after surgery, much of the fentanyl used today is illicit and obtained from unregulated, illegal sources.1,2
Illicit fentanyl often comes in the form of tablets or powders. On the streets, fentanyl may be referred to as:1,2
- Apache.
- China Girl.
- Tango and Cash.
Recently, fentanyl has become more common than heroin in the illicit drug supply. It is increasingly becoming a drug of choice on its own and frequently mixed with other illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. When it’s combined with other drugs or used an adulterant, people may not realize they are taking fentanyl or know how much fentanyl is in their drugs.1–3
As with any type of opioid painkiller, fentanyl attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, relieving pain and creating feelings of relaxation, sedation, and euphoria. However, fentanyl can severely depress breathing and cause people to become unconscious—which can, in some cases, lead to a fatal overdose.1–3
Today, synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the number one cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.3
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
Yes, fentanyl is addictive and exceptionally dangerous due to its potency. Fentanyl addiction is characterized by uncontrollable, compulsive drug seeking and use—despite the negative effects and consequences.2
Medical professionals use a specific set of criteria to diagnose a fentanyl addiction and classify it as an opioid use disorder (OUD).8
Side Effects of Fentanyl
Numerous adverse effects can occur, even when taking fentanyl as prescribed by a doctor. Fentanyl side effects include:2
- Constipation.
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea.
- Confusion.
- Sedation.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Loss of consciousness.
Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl
Addiction is one of the most serious, potential long-term effects of addiction.2
When a person uses fentanyl, whether illicitly or by prescription, they can become tolerant of the drug over time. Tolerance means that the body has adapted to the effects of the drug, and it begins to require more and more of the substance to get the same effects.2,3
It’s also possible to become physically dependent on fentanyl. Dependence occurs when the brain and body become so accustomed to the drug that it starts to need the drug to function normally. Once dependence develops, withdrawal symptoms will occur if use is suddenly reduced or stopped.5
Many people can become dependent on a drug without becoming addicted to it. Some people who take prescription fentanyl under a doctor’s supervision may need it to alleviate pain, but they do not become addicted.5
Although tolerance and dependence are different from addiction, they can escalate and drive compulsive patterns of use, which increases the risk of addiction.2,6
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Someone who is using fentanyl may exhibit signs such as:8
- Taking more fentanyl than they originally intended to take.
- Experiencing increased conflict with loved ones over their use of fentanyl.
- Failing to fulfill obligations at work or home due to fentanyl use.
- Using fentanyl in risky situations, such as while driving.
- Continuing to use fentanyl even though they know it makes a mental or physical condition worse.
- Trying to stop or cut back fentanyl use, but being unable to do so.
- Giving up things they used to enjoy in order to use fentanyl.
- Spending a lot of time and money on finding, using, and recovering from fentanyl.
- Experiencing cravings for fentanyl.
- Needing more and more fentanyl to keep feeling its effects.
- Experiencing physical withdrawal if they stop using.
How to Help a Loved One Using Fentanyl
There are different ways to help a loved one who is using fentanyl. Instead of an intervention, encouraging them to talk to their doctor or a healthcare professional about their fentanyl addiction could help them get started on their journey toward recovery.
You can also take proactive steps to reduce the risk of overdose, including:3,4
- Getting more informed about the risk factors for a fentanyl overdose.
- Knowing the signs of a fentanyl or other opioid overdose and what to do if one occurs.
- Obtaining an opioid reversal medication like naloxone and fentanyl test strips.
- Increasing awareness about harm-reduction resources.
You or your loved one could also fill out this form below, which confidentially checks your coverage to see if your health insurance would cover some of the cost of fentanyl addiction treatment at our facility.
How Long Does Fentanyl Withdrawal Last?
Fentanyl withdrawal varies from one person to another. On average, people experience the first symptoms of withdrawal within a few hours of the last use of fentanyl, with symptoms peaking around the 4th day.10
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Various fentanyl withdrawal symptoms will start to appear within a few hours after the person stops using it. Some common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:11
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Anxiety.
- Restlessness.
- Fast pulse.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Bone and muscle pain.
- Muscle spasms.
- Insomnia.
- Runny nose.
- Yawning.
- Watery eyes.
Detoxing From Fentanyl
If you are struggling with fentanyl addiction, you may feel conflicted about quitting because of the withdrawal effects that many people fear going through.
However, there are many options for controlling uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms during fentanyl detox. Medically managed detox, which is typically the first step in the treatment process, helps eliminate fentanyl from your body in a safe and effective manner.11
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment & Rehab in Riverview, FL
There are several types of treatment for fentanyl addiction. Detox and ongoing treatment can occur in various settings, such as:11
- Inpatient treatment, where you go into a rehab program 24/7 and typically stay for a few days to weeks.
- Outpatient treatment, which typically consists of treatment several times per week and you go home at night. An intensive outpatient program typically involves 2–3 hours of treatment, 2–3 times per week.
Treatment for fentanyl addiction can involve numerous approaches. It frequently consists of a combination of behavioral therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) along with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which can help a person control their drug cravings and manage other symptoms.12
At River Oaks, our inpatient rehab near Tampa is ready to help you overcome addiction and find long-term recovery. Call us at to learn more about our addiction treatment options near you and how to cover the cost of treatment and get admitted today.
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