Fentanyl Addiction

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug 100 times more powerful than morphine. It’s a prescription painkiller for people with severe postsurgical pain that also relieves pain from treatment-resistant cancer.

Recent studies show fentanyl causes 59% of opioid-related deaths in the United States. It blocks your brain’s pain receptors and increases dopamine — a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that triggers pleasurable, euphoric feelings.

A legally prescribed fentanyl patch, lozenge, or shot could cause addiction in a few days. Illegal fentanyl products (most commonly in powder form) can be even more potent, decreasing the exposure needed to trigger addiction.

What problems does fentanyl addiction cause?

Fentanyl use can cause:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Unconsciousness
• Breathing problems
• Slurred speech
• Impaired vision
• Cravings
• Compulsive usage
• Impaired judgment
• Depression
• Poor balance and coordination
• Dizziness, shaking, and fainting
• Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
• Itchiness and scratching
• Sleeping all day
• Weight gain

Fentanyl addicts typically neglect basic responsibilities. They perform poorly at work or school and are regularly absent.

Drug dealers often mix fentanyl with other substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. This technique produces a powerful product at a competitive price, but drug users could take fentanyl without realizing it, significantly increasing the chance of an overdose.

When fentanyl users overdose, their breathing slows and may stop, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the brain (hypoxia). This could cause coma, permanent brain damage, and death. Seeking help for your fentanyl addiction is the essential first step to overcoming this potentially lethal condition.

Where can I get help for fentanyl addiction?

Magnolia Medical Group has fully licensed addiction counselors and psychiatrists on staff who provide evidence-based outpatient treatments. They use medication-assisted treatment (MAT), combining medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms with expert behavioral therapy programs.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is an opioid agonist drug. It simulates fentanyl and other opioid drugs’ effects on your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), helping you manage withdrawal and reduce cravings.

The Magnolia Medical Group team typically uses buprenorphine with naloxone. This drug quickly reverses the potentially deadly effects of a fentanyl overdose. Another option is naltrexone (Vivitrol®). This drug is similar to buprenorphine and can also treat alcohol addiction.

Fentanyl is an overwhelmingly powerful opioid that devastates people with addictions and their families. Call Magnolia Medical Group today or book an appointment online if you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction.