Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that belongs to the opioid family. The drug is similar to morphine but 100 times more potent, which means that it is much more effective. Now, although it is a prescription drug, many people also use it illegally. The substance is sold in the form of powder, nasal spray, put in eye drops, and even as pills to make it look legal.
Another thing about fentanyl is that one can get addicted to it even though their healthcare professional has prescribed it. If you are a resident of Arkansas, you are surely aware of the high rates of opioid addiction. Fortunately, there is professional help as well. There are numerous centers for fentanyl detox in Arkansas that can help you overcome your addiction. Along with availing professional help, if you want to clarify your doubts about fentanyl addiction, this article is here to help you.
Can Fentanyl Use Lead to Addiction?
By now, you know that fentanyl is a highly addictive substance. It works by creating artificial endorphins that block the pain receptors and change the way your body responds to pain. The problem with fentanyl or any other opioid drug is that it is a prescription medicine, and your healthcare advisor might advise you to consume it for various health conditions. However, even if a person is taking prescription fentanyl, they can become dependent on the substance, which can lead to addiction.
Fentanyl addiction is mostly experienced when an individual has been consuming the drug for a long time. People who become addicted to fentanyl experience severe withdrawal symptoms that generally occur a few hours after they have last taken the drug. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Severe craving
- Close flashes
- Sleep problems.
What Are the Risks Involved in Fentanyl Addiction?
Addiction to any drug comes with high health risks, even if it is a medically prescribed drug such as fentanyl. Patients who become addicted to the substance experience a lot of harmful consequences due to its persistent use.
The first sign that shows that the individual is becoming addicted is that they build a high tolerance, which means that they now require higher quantities of fentanyl to experience the same effect. Moreover, they also continue taking the drug even after they have been asked to stop. Once they become addicted to the substance, they are unable to quit it and devote a lot of time to acquiring the substance and using it. There are a lot of risks involved when a person becomes addicted to fentanyl. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Continuous use of opioids interferes with the addict’s daily routine and hampers their relationship with family and friends.
- Addicts find it difficult to interact with others and maintain a healthy relationship.
- Taking fentanyl in certain situations could put the individual’s safety at risk.
- Addicts start missing their school, work, or daily activities to consume the substance.
Treatment for Opioid Disorder
There are commonly three types of treatments used for fentanyl use disorder:
- Medicines: A combination of drugs that include methadone, buprenorphine, lofexidine, and Naltrexone are used to cure fentanyl use disorder. Methadone, buprenorphine, and lofexidine are used to control craving and withdrawal symptoms, and naltrexone is used to prevent relapses. Naltrexone helps reduce the high that the addict would normally feel while taking fentanyl, which helps them calm their cravings.
- Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapies aim to transform how a person thinks. These therapies change the attitude of the addict towards the consumption of the drugs, help develop healthy skills, and are great options when combined with medicines to overcome fentanyl addiction.
- In-patient and outpatient programs: The withdrawal symptoms associated with fentanyl are very severe, and without medical supervision, overcoming these conditions is almost impossible. This is why most addicts opt for intensive inpatient or outpatient care depending on the severity and need to tackle the conditions and avoid relapses successfully.
Conclusion
Fentanyl addiction is a serious condition that can impact the quality of life of the addict and their loved ones. Although it is a prescription drug, there are great instances of abuse, and it is crucial to use the drug carefully to avoid its misuse.
If you or someone you know is suffering from fentanyl addiction, it is crucial to act promptly and seek out professional help from a structured recovery journey.
