by Jennifer McDougall
Fentanyl, like heroin, morphine, and other opiate medications, attaches to the bodies’ opiate receptors, which are found in the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Dopamine levels rise as the drug connects to these receptors, and there is a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. When fentanyl is overused, however, it produces a powerful high that can quickly lead to overdose. Fentanyl abuse is a problem for a lot of young people.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has quickly evolved from a helpful prescription drug to a street scourge, claiming the lives of many young adults along the way. Fentanyl is a top emerging drug trend noticed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDH) due to its increased appeal on the street and among young people.
Fentanyl medicines are commonly known by brand names such as Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. These prescription opioids were initially used to treat severe or chronic pain patients. Fentanyl is a dangerous narcotic in and of itself. Still, it may also serve as a gateway to heroin, which is less expensive. Irritability, chills, sweats, insomnia, anxiety and nervousness, agitation, and restlessness are some of the withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl.
Signs Someone is Taking Fentanyl:
- Euphoria followed by depression or confusion
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
- Weakness and trouble walking
- Stiffness of muscles
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Shaking
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching and scratching
- Pinpoint pupils
- Hallucinations
- Urine retention
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Swollen arms or legs
Regular Fentanyl Use and Abuse Can Cause:
- Seizures
- Depression
- Respiratory depression
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Bronchitis
- Coma
- Tolerance and addiction
- Overdose
It may start as medical therapy and then turn into a life-altering addiction. Of course, not everyone who is prescribed fentanyl develops an addiction. Many prescription medications have addictive tendencies. Some have advanced warning labels from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommending the user to evaluate the drug’s risks against the risks of whatever medical or mental disease they may have. Still, if you feel someone is abusing the drug or displaying indications of dependence, it’s critical to look into available resources to assist them.
Only treating the prescription drug addiction without addressing the problem solves half of the problem and frequently leads to relapse. Passages is a prescription drug treatment program that can treat both prescription drug addiction and any concomitant psychological illnesses, a practice known as “dual diagnosis.”
How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™
