Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that is highly addictive. More so, it is about 100 times stronger than morphine – an opiate derived from the poppy plant, as is heroin. Basically, fentanyl is used after surgery to relieve the patient of severe pain, but it is being abused today. Also, the drug is the most active ingredient in brand drugs such as Sublimase, Fentora, and Duragesic. Fentanyl can be found in different formats which include path, tablet, lozenge, and spray. Regardless of the form the drug comes in, they have an equal level of addiction rate.
Technically, anyone who is experiencing fentanyl addiction would be clinically considered to have an opioid use disorder. Below is a list of symptoms associated with Fentanyl addiction
- The sufferer takes more fentanyl or probably crave for more fentanyl than intended
- The sufferer is willing to stop abusing the drug or at least reduce intake but finds it hard to do so
- A significant portion of an individual money, time and energy is used to get fentanyl, abuse it or recover from its use
- Continuous urge to use fentanyl
- Lack of concentration and focus both at work and at home
- Despite the fact that the individual acknowledges the damaging effect of fentanyl on his or her life, they find it difficult to quit using it.
- Continuous withdrawal from or reduced participation in social activities or work to use this narcotic
- Inability to stop usage even when there is awareness of the dangers of the narcotic such as drugged driving
- Continuous usage even though it is worsening the individual’s physiological abilities
- The individual becomes tolerant to the drug – a process where the body demands more of a drug to function effectively.
How do people obtain Fentanyl
Fentanyl addiction has turned out to be a societal problem. It is helpful to know how people get this narcotic. The following are some of the things fentanyl addicts may do in order gain possession and abuse this narcotic
- Get pills from classmates
- They surf the internet to locate online stores selling pain-relieving drugs without a prescription
- They obtain this narcotic from drug dealers or from elderly. In some cases, people who have an urgent need for cash may sell their drugs which are obtained through legitimate means
- Sometimes, medical staff may decide to sell this narcotic to individuals for extra cash or to settle some bills
Side effects of Fentanyl addiction
An individual suffering from fentanyl addiction will show the following side effects
- Rapid heartbeat
- Mood swings
- Chest tightness
- Pounding in the ears
- Abnormal thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Poor balance or coordination
- Confusion
- Decrease in urine flow
- Convulsions
- Back pain, and many more
Fentanyl addiction can destroy and make an individual completely worthless. Thankfully, there are drug rehab centers that focus on addressing these issues. However, the patients have to indicate a willingness to quit use of this narcotic drug, otherwise, no treatment option will work. If you or your loved one is suffering from Fentanyl addiction, it is recommended to locate the nearest rehab center for treatment and counseling.
