How Common is Fentanyl Addiction and Abuse?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever prescribed for managing moderate to severe pain in patients with chronic conditions. Similar to morphine, but 50 to 100 times more potent, fentanyl is considered to be extremely strong and can cause an overdose with just a few milligrams, making it the drug of choice for many people seeking opiates. In the past few years, the use of fentanyl has become widespread in the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, many do not realize that this drug is extremely dangerous when abused. If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction to fentanyl, you may benefit from Fentanyl drug rehab.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. In fact, 59% of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl in 2017, as compared to 14% in 2010.
Similar to morphine and other opioids, fentanyl works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors, which control pain and emotions. When someone abuses these kinds of drugs, the brain adapts and diminishes their sensitivity to make it hard to feel pleasure from anything but the drug itself. Side effects from fentanyl addiction can include:
- Extreme happiness or euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Sedation
- Trouble breathing
- Unconsciousness
Because fentanyl is so potent, it’s easier to become addicted to it. You or a loved one may struggle with an addiction to fentanyl if you experience these side effects:
- Social withdrawal or social isolation
- Visible mood swings
- Extreme lethargy
- Willingness to engage in risky behaviors
- Lack of personal hygiene
The good news is drug rehab can really help individuals who may struggle with an addiction to fentanyl and other drugs or alcohol.