Designer fentanyl derivatives are often made. They are nearly identical to the original drug. Unintentional overdoses of fentanyl, and its analogs, are increasing in number.
People frequently mix analogs with heroin or use them as a substitute. The risk of overdose is greatly increased by fentanyl, which is more powerful than heroin.
We will also discuss side effects and medical uses for fentanyl in this article. We will also cover misuse of fentanyl, addiction, and overdose.
What Does Fentanyl Do?
Fentanyl can be prescribed as a Schedule II narcotic analgesic and is up to 50-100x more powerful than morphine.
People with prescriptions typically use the drug as a shot or patch on their arm. One person can also take the drug through a throat lozenge.
People who suffer from substance abuse disorders can also use synthetic fentanyl illegally. They can also get synthetic fentanyl in powders or pills. The street names of the drug include Apache.
Abusement And Fentanyl
People with substance abuse problems can get fentanyl from people who divert it from legal supplies or make it in illegal labs. They may consume it orally, smoke it, or inject it. One method of using marijuana is safer than the other.
Even discarded Fentanyl patches may still contain significant amounts. People suffering from opioid abuse disorders can scrape the gel content of discarded patches and then eat, smoke, or inject it.
Many fentanyl derivatives may have a higher potency than heroin, making them even more deadly.
Fentanyl may be mixed with heroin or cocaine, which can make them more potent. People with substance abuse disorders may not be aware of the potential dangers of accidental overdose.
Treatment Options To Treat Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl addiction can be treated in the same way as other opioid abuse disorders, depending on its severity. There are many options for treatment, including outpatient or inpatient detox and medication treatments for managing cravings.
A combination of many factors may determine which medication is best. Patients must discuss their options with their doctors. A therapist might be something they would like to discuss.
This could help them have a healthier lifestyle. therapy options could include.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing behavior, managing anxiety, and managing triggers.
Contingency management gives you point vouchers for negative drugs tests
Motivational interviewing, where an individual is guided based on his or her unique needs and conflicting feelings.
Potential Side Effects Of Fentanyl
As with any opioid, there is a risk for dependence, tolerance, or misuse. The withdrawal symptoms that can occur when someone stops using the drug abruptly are called physical dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms are usually felt within 12 hours from the last dose. However, withdrawal symptoms can last up to 1 week. The following symptoms may be experienced by someone who is experiencing withdrawal:
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
- A runny nose
- Hot and cold flashes
- Chills
- anxiety
- Agitation
- insomnia
- severe generalized pain
Fentanyl users develop a tolerance quickly to high doses.
Opioid addiction is often caused by repeated opioid use. This is a chronic relapsing disease that causes a person to become addicted to opioids.