Fentanyl Abuse and How to Get Help

How to Get Help if  You or Loved One are Suffering From Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is a synthetic pharmaceutical opioid pain reliever (OPR) that can be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

It is manufactured and sold under multiple brand names and Fentanyl treatment can be administered in many forms.

In 2008 there were 7.64 million prescriptions written for Fentanyl, while the CDC estimates that 1,000 individuals died from an overdose of Fentanyl between 2005 and 2007.

But that number is misleadingly low.

 

Last year, in New Hampshire alone, 351 people died from opiate overdoses.

Part of what makes Fentanyl such a dangerous drug is that it is leading to abuse, addiction and death through legal, prescribed use as well as from street sales.

Symptoms of  withdrawal can be intense, and if detoxing is not properly supervised it can lead to a user’s relapse.

And whether a person uses Fentanyl laced heroin, or uses a legitimately prescribed drug in combination with another contraindicated medication, the consequences can be deadly.

Know the Facts about Fentanyl Abuse

Whether you or your loved one is using contraband Fentanyl or prescriptions which they have legally obtained, there is still a grave danger of Fentanyl abuse and addiction.People who have had no exposure to opioids are at risk because they have no tolerance to the drug and so if they abuse it, there is a high chance of an overdose.

For people with a high level of tolerance, there is the danger that comes from needing to get more of the drug.

Additionally, while prescribed forms include time-released versions such as a lollipop and the Fentanyl patch, which might seem safer for people using the drug medically, these forms can also be prone to abuse.

People addicted to Fentanyl will sometimes use the patch incorrectly by sucking or chewing on it in order to feel the effects after they have built a tolerance to the drug. The danger of this leading to an overdose are enormous.

What Are Fentanyl Side Effects?

Side effects from Fentanyl abuse could include the following:

• dizziness and headaches
• slowed breathing
• rapid heart rate
• nausea and vomiting
• seizures
• blurred vision
• itchiness
• constipation

How to Seek Help with Fentanyl Treatment

If you suspect that your loved one or yourself is at risk for Fentanyl abuse or addiction, it is imperative to seek help immediately.

Effects of Fentanyl abuse are devastating, and when abused the chance of overdosing or accidentally mixing drugs with fatal consequences are high.

While it is extremely unlikely to die or face permanent repercussions from immediately stopping use of Fentanyl, for an addict, it can be extremely unpleasant.

Symptoms of withdrawal can be intense, and if detoxing is not properly supervised it can lead to a user’s relapse.

Last year, in New Hampshire alone, 351 people died from opiate overdoses.

That is why it is highly recommended that people who wish to stop using Fentanyl seek in-patient treatment.

This is the best way to allow the patient to remove their body’s dependence on the drug with the least discomfort and is the most effective path to recovery.

Many communities offer support groups and networks that are an excellent resource for finding an in-patient facility, providing resources to family members, and offering additional ongoing treatment.