Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that was initially developed to treat medical conditions in the 1960s. It is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Over the past few years, Fentanyl has been commonly used to cut heroin to increase the intoxicating effects. All across the country, at record-breaking numbers, Fentanyl is responsible for causing accidental overdoses leading to death. Still, doctor prescribed Fentanyl also leads to addiction and overdose. Illicit Fentanyl is produced in China and Mexico, and drug dealers are buying illicit Fentanyl to cut heroin and non-opioid substances to be sold on the streets. There are two types of Fentanyl: pharmaceutical Fentanyl and illicitly manufactured Fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. (CDC)
Why Is Fentanyl So Addictive?
Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine and 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl is an artificial (synthetic) opioid developed to treat severe and chronic medical conditions with excruciating pain. Fentanyl was designed to be the most potent opioid pain killer. All opioids, synthetic or not, cause physical dependence, which means the person abusing them will experience physical withdrawal symptoms. If someone gets addicted to Fentanyl by accident, meaning they are unaware that it is inside their heroin, etc., their addiction will result in more severe withdrawal symptoms. The stronger the opioid, the worse addiction and detox will be.
Medical Information About Fentanyl Withdrawal
Fentanyl is more potent than other opioid drugs; it is also more addictive. The symptoms of Fentanyl withdrawal will cause a fast onset of debilitating physical withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms that Fentanyl addiction causes include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Body aches and muscle cramps
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps abdominal cramps
- Uncontrollable body movements (kicking)
- Sweating
- Clammy skin and chills
- Irregular heartbeat
- Extreme risk for accidental overdose and death
Does Fentanyl Make You Angry?
The research completed on the adverse effects of Fentanyl intoxication is extensive. Overall, anger is not a side effect of opioid intoxication that includes abusing Fentanyl. Anger is present when someone is coming down or detoxing from an opioid. Agitation can occur for many opioid addicts that abuse Fentanyl. Although most drug addiction leads to disturbing emotional outbursts, opioids like Fentanyl causing anger are not well documented. Any person can react differently to drugs or alcohol. One person using Fentanyl might be sad and another angry. Many psychological factors add to how a drug affects each person.
What Programs Are Best For Fentanyl Addiction?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that anyone on Fentanyl receive medications and in-depth counseling to help them overcome their addiction.
Like other opioid addictions, medication with behavioral therapies effectively treats people with a fentanyl addiction. Medications: Buprenorphine and methadone work by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as Fentanyl, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Counseling: Behavioral therapies for addiction to opioids like Fentanyl can help people modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, increase healthy life skills, and help them stick with their medication. Some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. (NIDA)
Riverwalk Recovery Center Provides Medications and Behavioral Therapies
At Riverwalk Recovery, we provide evidence-based treatment that works. We offer opioid addiction treatment that prepares you for a lifetime of recovery. Finally, there is hope for those who suffer from addiction. With a long-term recovery effort, you can stop your addiction in its tracks, take your life back, and rebuild your life. It’s not simple, but it’s doable. Willingness is the key to success. All you need to get started is the willingness to change and accept help. We provide in-depth opioid addiction treatment in the following formats:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Substance Abuse Partial Hospitalization
- Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient
- 12 Step Facilitation Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Call now for immediate discussion with our clinical staff about our evidence-based programs.