Understanding Fentanyl Addiction

Did you know that over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl? In 2021 alone, there were over 123,000 fentanyl-related emergency department visits in the U.S. If you’re wondering how to know or help your loved one struggling with fentanyl addiction, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses everything you need to know to take action.

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It’s originally derived from the opioid poppy (Papaver somniferum), and doctors prescribe it to treat people suffering from intense pain after surgery. It’s also prescribed to cancer patients with chronic pain. Due to its powerful opioid properties, fentanyl is often abused and added to heroin to increase its potency. 

Users often believe they are purchasing heroin and not fentanyl, which results in overdose and deaths. Fentanyl is primarily manufactured in Mexico. Some of the street names used for this drug include Chinatown, Apace, China Girl, Dance Fever, China White, Great Bear, Goodfellas, He-Man, and many more.

Signs that my loved one is addicted to fentanyl

Knowing the symptoms of fentanyl addiction is imperative to getting treatment. Generally, a person is addicted to fentanyl if they experience more than two sets of symptoms. Some of the symptoms include:

Behavioral

• Absence from work
• Forging prescriptions to obtain fentanyl
• Decline in productivity at work or school
• Not taking daily responsibilities

Physical 

• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Slurred speech
• Constricted pupils

Cognitive

• Impaired memory
• Difficulty paying attention
• Impaired judgment
• Suicidal ideation
• Difficulty concentrating

Psychosocial

• Depression
• Euphoria
• Declined interest in things one was interested in

What does fentanyl abuse look like?

The continuous abuse of fentanyl can have dangerous consequences on an individual’s body. The drug can affect every part of an individual’s functioning, including work, school, home, and social life. Your loved one’s health is also at risk due to fentanyl abuse. If the addiction is not treated, the person may suffer.

• Damage to internal organs
• Isolation due to loss of relationships
• Overdose
• Legal troubles
• Sexual dysfunction
• Abuse of other drugs
• Job loss
• Financial difficulties
• Death

How to help someone addicted to fentanyl

Anyone using fentanyl or any other opioid medication is at risk of overdose. Fentanyl has many life-threatening side effects, which makes it crucial for families to come together and help a loved one before it’s too late. Many treatment options are available, and most are customized based on an individual’s needs. 

Your loved one’s addiction treatment plan may vary based on their age, how long they have abused fentanyl, their gender, the amount they consume daily, and whether they use other drugs apart from fentanyl. The rehab programs available can provide detoxification, therapy, and counseling services.

We’re here to help

If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction in Yakima, WA, reach out to Apple Valley Counseling Services, LLC for help. We offer individual or group therapy and any other resources you’ll need to overcome and move past chemical dependency. Don’t wait anymore; contact us today for a brighter future!

Categorised in: Substance Abuse Counseling

This post was written by admin