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Fentanyl continues to show up in headlines across the nation, with Oregon being no exception. As such, fentanyl use is increasingly finding itself at the center of the opioid epidemic.
Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic, severe pain or severe pain following surgery. Fentanyl is a controlled substance that is similar to morphine but is about 100 times stronger. Under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, fentanyl does have legitimate medicinal uses. Patients that are prescribed fentanyl should be monitored for potential misuse.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “Illicit fentanyl, primarily manufactured in foreign clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States through Mexico, is being distributed across the country and sold on the illegal drug market. Fentanyl is being mixed in with other illicit drugs to increase the potency of the drug, sold as powders and nasal sprays, and increasingly pressed into pills made to look like legitimate prescription opioids. Because there is no official oversight or quality control, these counterfeit pills often contain lethal doses of fentanyl, with none of the promised drug.”
As stated above, while some may knowingly use fentanyl, one of the more dangerous facts about fentanyl is that it’s often mixed with other drugs, with the person taking them having no idea it’s in there. And since even a small amount of fentanyl is vastly stronger than other opioids, such as morphine, this can be life-threatening and thus increases the need to spread awareness about the dangers of the drug.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, “An average of five Oregonians die every week from opioid overdose. Heroin contributes to a significant number of overdose deaths, and illicit fentanyl-related deaths are increasing dramatically. Many overdose deaths involve multiple drugs, including both pharmaceutical and illicit opioids. Many more Oregonians develop opioid use disorder and/or dependency.”
Whether fentanyl is being used intentionally or not, the dangers are always there — including developing opioid use disorder. There are certain signs you need to be on the lookout for, most notably withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, which is why many relapse or return to the drug to alleviate any discomfort. Let’s take a look at fentanyl withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are similar to the symptoms that occur when withdrawing from other opioids.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “These drugs (opioids) can cause physical dependence. This means that a person relies on the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Over time, more of the drug is needed for the same effect. This is called drug tolerance. How long it takes to become physically dependent varies with each person. When the person stops taking the drugs, the body needs time to recover. This causes withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from opiates can occur any time long-term use is stopped or cut back.”
In general, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe. Symptoms include:
It is highly recommended that anyone with opioid use disorder seek professional treatment to combat withdrawal symptoms. This can help prevent the discomfort that usually causes the person addicted to relapse since they feel they’re unable to manage the withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl withdrawal treatment should include a cutting-edge, medically supported withdrawal program, also known as detox.
Any treatment facility should provide a wide range of treatment services for people suffering from fentanyl addiction. Detox is the first step in your journey toward living a life free of harmful substances.
Typically, a team of medical professionals uses a standardized process designed to be the most effective way to achieve long-term recovery from dependence on fentanyl. Medical pros are prepared and qualified to handle all aspects of detox, including withdrawal symptoms and mental health issues that may be present.
It’s important to remember that even if withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening, the process is known to be painful, scary, and it can make it harder to want to stop taking fentanyl.
The discomfort and pain that are associated with fentanyl withdrawal makes it crucial that those going through detox get medical interventions that address both their emotional and medical needs.
The end result of a successful medical detox is that the individual is no longer at high risk for complications related to their substance use disorder. The cravings may still exist, but detox helps make them manageable by giving the person all the skills they need to find long-term success in recovery.
Fentanyl can cause feelings of pleasure, which is why for many, it can be so addictive. However, not all of its effects are so pleasant.
The DEA says, “Similar to other opioid analgesics, fentanyl produces side effects such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, in addition to the negative effects of sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.”
If too much fentanyl is taken, it can lead to serious health consequences — even death. This is known as an overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during an overdose, breathing can be slowed or stopped, causing brain damage or even death. This is why it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and act quickly.
Signs of overdose includes:
If you believe someone has overdosed on fentanyl, call 911 immediately. In the meantime, you can administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, try to keep the person awake and breathing, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and stay with them until emergency workers arrive.
Fentanyl addiction presents symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of addiction to other opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Opioid use disorder is a medical condition defined by not being able to abstain from using opioids, and behaviors centered around opioid use that interfere with daily life. Being physically dependent on an opioid can occur when someone has an opioid use disorder, and is characterized by withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and sweating. However, people can misuse opioids and not have physical dependence. When a person has physical dependence, it can be particularly hard to stop taking opioids, and that dependence can interfere with daily routines, including personal relationships or finances.
Opioid use disorder may be diagnosed by a doctor. Someone struggling with opioid use disorder may not display symptoms right away. However, over time, there may be some signs that they need help.”
Symptoms of fentanyl addiction/opioid use disorder include:
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
— Helen Keller
Even if you feel alone, you are not. While your situation may be unique, you must remind yourself that we all go through trials and tribulations. And we all have the power to rise above them.
If you’re battling fentanyl addiction/opioid use disorder, you have the power to take your life back. These drugs no longer have to control you or your life.
Remember, there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it takes courage to admit you need someone to help you. You deserve to live a life free from addiction. Take the first step toward recovery today.
Recovery is difficult, but here at Serenity Lane, we know you are strong. Serenity Lane is dedicated to giving the highest quality of care to the residents of Oregon, regardless of their background.
Serenity Lane offers individualized fentanyl treatment plans for each client, and we are committed to helping each client throughout their journey. We also have numerous locations throughout Oregon. Call (800) 543-9905 today to start your journey.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are similar to the symptoms that occur when withdrawing from other opioids. In general, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: anxiety and agitation, muscle aches and sweating, nausea and diarrhea, and sleeplessness.
While some may knowingly use fentanyl, one of the more dangerous facts about fentanyl is that it’s often mixed with other drugs, but the person taking them doesn’t know it’s in there. And since even a small amount of fentanyl is vastly stronger than other opioids, such as morphine, this can be life-threatening and just increases the need to spread awareness about the dangers of the drug.
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