Fentanyl: Signs, Risks, and Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Understanding Fentanyl

What Type of Drug Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid. 

Opioids act on nerve cells in the brain, effectively blocking pain signals and acting as painkillers. They are a class of drugs commonly prescribed for pain management.

Is Fentanyl a Strong Drug?

Fentanyl is an extremely strong drug. 

Compared to morphine, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent. As such a strong drug, it is extremely addictive, commonly resulting in drug abuse and addiction.

At Wellbridge, we offer treatment for fentanyl addiction, seeking to help adult men and women, including first responders and healthcare workers, learn skills and recover from addiction.

Is Fentanyl a Prescription Drug?

Fentanyl is a prescription drug used to treat severe pain and is commonly prescribed in patches. 

However, while fentanyl is a prescription drug, both prescribed and illegally manufactured fentanyl are commonly abused. Due to its high potency, it is highly addictive and life-threatening; therefore, prescriptions are regulated.

How Addictive Is Fentanyl Compared to Other Drugs?

Compared to other drugs, fentanyl is significantly more addictive. 

This is due in part to its high potency. However, fentanyl produces a euphoric high, more substantial than many other drugs, and quickly creates changes in the brain. As a result of these quick changes, individuals often are unable to feel pleasure in other activities after a short duration of use.

At Wellbridge, we understand that fentanyl is a highly addictive substance, and we offer treatment that helps patients recover.

What Drugs Have Fentanyl?

Illicit fentanyl is commonly found in other drugs, including counterfeit pills, illicit stimulants and opioids, and other synthetic drugs.

Drugs that may contain fentanyl include:

• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• MDMA

Why Are Drugs Laced With Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is cheap to produce and highly potent, leading to it commonly being mixed with many street drugs. 

Due to the lower cost of producing fentanyl in labs compared to the labor-intensive process of growing and refining natural resources such as opium poppies, illegal producers use it to enhance the potency of other drugs while boosting their profits.

Because it is synthetically produced, distributors frequently find it more cost-effective to incorporate fentanyl as a filler or as the main active component instead of using the full amount of more costly illegal drugs.

​What Are Some Nicknames for Fentanyl Drugs?

Common nicknames for fentanyl include Fetty, Fent, or Murder 8. 

However, as fentanyl is so commonly mixed with other drugs, nicknames like Dance Fever are used to describe the combination of fentanyl and other substances.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

What Are the Physical Signs of Fentanyl Addiction?

When an individual is struggling with fentanyl addiction, they show physical signs that commonly include weight loss, lack of self-care, and drowsiness.

One of the most common physical signs is pupil constriction or pinpoint pupils. Additional signs include nausea, a clear lack of self-care, shallow breathing, and nausea or vomiting. Physical signs are especially clear when an individual is noticeably different from their previous self.

Can Fentanyl Cause Mental Health Issues?

Yes, fentanyl can influence mental health, causing mood swings, paranoia, and a lack of motivation. 

While these mental health symptoms vary for each person, they can greatly impact an individual’s ability to function daily. Additionally, if a person already struggles with their mental health, fentanyl can increase negative mental health symptoms.

Can Fentanyl Use Cause Behavioral Issues?

Yes. Behavioral issues related to fentanyl use include increased secrecy, changes in social circles or friendships, neglecting responsibilities, and increased financial issues. 

When an individual is using fentanyl, they often have behavioral changes.

For example, individuals who were previously open and connected with social circles may begin to keep secrets and shift their focus to other social circles that accommodate their addiction. In addition, they may begin to neglect responsibilities that they had previously kept up.

Dangers of Fentanyl Use & Side Effects

Why Is Fentanyl Such a Dangerous Drug?

Fentanyl is a dangerous drug because of its high potency and its use as an additive in many illegal drugs.

As a prescription drug, fentanyl is highly addictive due to its potency. As a street drug, it is added to other illegal drugs without the user knowing. This results in an opioid overdose and an increased risk of abuse.

What Are Common Side Effects of Fentanyl Use?

Common side effects of fentanyl use include constipation, nausea, and drowsiness.

In addition, fentanyl can cause stomach pain, confusion, headaches, and dizziness.

These side effects can be felt if an individual is using prescription fentanyl or illegally obtained fentanyl. While some side effects are not immediately dangerous, they can progress to more severe ones.

What Are Serious Side Effects of Fentanyl Use?

The most serious side effects include decreased respiratory functioning and extreme sedation. 

Essentially, fentanyl causes the functions of the body to slow to an extreme degree, where individuals experience significantly reduced respiratory rate that can lead to respiratory dysfunction and death.

Other severe side effects include vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Severity of Fentanyl Use

How Deadly Is Fentanyl Compared to Other Drugs?

Compared to other drugs, fentanyl is significantly more deadly. 

As a significantly more potent substance, fentanyl is more likely to lead to overdose and death. When it is combined with other street drugs, and individuals take it unknowingly, it becomes even more deadly.

It is vital for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction to seek help at an accredited addiction center like Wellbridge.

Does Fentanyl Have the Highest Death Rate in the US?

Yes. Fentanyl has the highest death rate in the US, accounting for 60% of overdoses a year. 

This is due to its high potency; even 2 milligrams can cause overdose and death.

Can Using Fentanyl Once Lead to a Fatal Overdose?

Yes, using fentanyl once can lead to a fatal overdose.

As it is an extremely potent drug, fatal overdose does not occur due to repeated exposure. A one-time use of a high concentration can cause extreme side effects, overdose, and death.

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

What Are the Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose?

Signs of overdose include decreases in respiratory rate and consciousness, lack of response, and constricted pupils. 

These signs are an extreme version of the side effects of fentanyl use. However, when an individual is overdosing, the signs are severe. Their respiratory rate will drop to an extremely low level, making it difficult for them to get enough oxygen. In addition, they will become non-responsive even to significant stimulation.

What Factors Increase the Risk of a Fentanyl Overdose?

Overdose risk factors include changes in tolerance, changes in supplier, mixing fentanyl with other drugs, and chronic conditions. 

Changes in the supplier or tolerance can lead to accidental overdose, as an individual may be unclear about how much they are taking and how much their body can tolerate. In addition, once a person has overdosed, they are at a higher risk of overdosing in the future.

Can Naloxone Help With a Fentanyl Overdose?

Yes. Naloxone can help with a fentanyl overdose. 

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a drug used to restore normal breathing patterns. As a result, it is commonly used to help restore functional breathing in a person who is overdosing on fentanyl. It is a life-saving drug.

When Should Naloxone Be Used to Prevent Fatal Overdose?

Naloxone should be used in a situation when a person is believed to have taken a drug or potentially is overdosing, and showing respiratory symptoms. 

In an overdose situation, it is important to act fast. Using naloxone saves lives, restoring respiratory function. If a person has slowed breathing, difficulty breathing, or is barely breathing, use naloxone.

When Is Emergency Care Needed?

After administering naloxone, emergency care is necessary. 

While naloxone helps individuals to restore their breathing, emergency care is important to ensure their health and safety.

At Wellbridge, we understand the need for rapid assistance and offer day-of-admission support when necessary for patients.

Withdrawal Symptoms

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Fentanyl?

Withdrawal from fentanyl occurs quickly after stopping use, and commonly includes intense cravings, muscle aches, and vomiting. 

Additionally, symptoms may include insomnia, diarrhea, and anxiety.

Both physical and psychological symptoms are common. However, the specific symptoms an individual experiences depend on the severity of their addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, and their physical health.

What Is One of the First Signs of Withdrawal?

The initial signs of withdrawal commonly include muscle aches, intense cravings, and vomiting. 

Symptoms generally come on rapidly after not using fentanyl and are extremely painful and potentially dangerous.

At Wellbridge, we offer medical detox, where patients undergo withdrawal under medical supervision. This not only protects patients’ long-term health but also allows for the opportunity for medications and other tools to be used to ease their withdrawal process.

How Long Does It Take for Fentanyl to Leave Your System?

Typically, it takes 1 to 3 days for fentanyl to leave your system, but it can take longer for heavy users. 

Drug tests can typically detect fentanyl in urine for 1-3 days, sometimes longer for heavy users, 5-48 hours in blood tests, and up to 90 days in hair tests.

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

What Are the Most Common Treatments for Opioid Addiction?

The most common treatments for opioid addiction include medication and psychotherapy. 

Common medications used for treating opioid addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Naltrexone is available as a compounded nasal spray (often 0.5%) used to manage cravings for alcohol or opioids, as well as for chronic inflammation. While not a standard FDA-approved mass-produced product like its counterpart, naloxone, it is commonly made by compounding pharmacies.

However, it is important to undergo psychotherapy and a comprehensive treatment program that helps you learn coping skills that promote long-term recovery success.

Is Detox Necessary for Fentanyl Addiction?

Due to the severity of fentanyl withdrawal, detox is often necessary. 

In detox, individuals receive support and care that protects their health. With the use of medications and other behavioral health interventions, patients can receive the necessary care to reach stabilization. Stabilization is crucial, as it allows patients to focus on the true work of healing.

What Medications Help Treat Fentanyl?

Medications used to treat fentanyl addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. 

These medications assist in managing withdrawal symptoms that arise when individuals cease opioid use and lessen drug cravings without generating the intense pleasurable sensations associated with opioids.

What Level of Care Is Best for Fentanyl Addiction?

While each individual is unique, residential treatment is often best for fentanyl addiction.

In residential treatment, patients live on the treatment premises. Treatment is highly structured and individualized, allowing patients the opportunity to heal both physically and emotionally. Through psychotherapy, they learn new coping skills, and through holistic modalities, their nervous system begins to heal and recalibrate.

At Wellbridge, we offer individualized residential treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), including fentanyl addiction.

Prevention & Harm Reduction

How Can I Reduce The Risk of My or a Loved One’s Fentanyl Exposure?

Reducing overall drug use is the best way to reduce fentanyl exposure. 

However, for individuals with a fentanyl prescription, keeping it away from children and loved ones is critical, as children are more sensitive to exposure. Additionally, individuals using fentanyl skin patches should avoid touching anything after the patch before washing their hands.

What Role Do Fentanyl Test Strips Play?

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are small pieces of paper that detect the presence of fentanyl. 

They are extremely helpful in reducing fentanyl exposure as they allow an individual to test any substance for fentanyl.

As fentanyl is a drug commonly added to other substances, FTS plays an important role in harm reduction. They allow a person to protect themselves against accidental fentanyl exposure.

What Harm-Reduction Services Are Available?

Many services are available to individuals seeking help, including drug checking, syringe services, overdose prevention services, and naloxone. 

These harm-reduction services help individuals to protect themselves from overdosing and accidental exposure to fentanyl. The more lives that are saved through harm reduction, the more people have the ability to recover.

How Can I Help Prevent Fentanyl-Related Harm for Myself or a Loved One?

Preventing fentanyl-related harm often includes using FTS, harm-reduction services, and ultimately addiction treatment. 

Fentanyl is an extremely harmful drug with high potency. The best protection is addiction treatment.

In addiction treatment, patients are safely detoxed off fentanyl, starting the process of healing. However, in treatment, patients also address the underlying causes of their challenges with fentanyl and proceed to develop coping skills.

Treatment protects individuals from harm by addressing the root causes of their addiction and providing them with the opportunity to take the path towards recovery.

FAQs

Does fentanyl show up in a drug test?

Yes. Fentanyl shows up on drug tests.

However, fentanyl does not show up on standard 5-panel or 10-panel screening.

As a synthetic opioid, it does not break down into morphine, which means that a specific and specialized test is necessary for its detection.

Does fentanyl show up as opiates on a drug test?

No, fentanyl does not show up as opiates on a drug test. 

If a special test is ordered, it will test specifically for fentanyl, and results will appear as fentanyl or a synthetic opiate.

​Is fentanyl the most dangerous drug?

While the most dangerous drug is subjective, fentanyl is widely considered to be the most dangerous.

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that causes an extremely high number of deaths due to overdose. It is dangerous due to its high potency and the practice of mixing it with other substances.

In addition, because it is often mixed with other substances, individuals commonly do not know they are taking fentanyl. This leads to countless lethal doses and unintentional overdose deaths.

What is a fentanyl patch used for?

The fentanyl patch is used to treat pain. 

Due to the high level of potency, the fentanyl patch allows individuals to take small doses of the drug, absorbing it through the skin. It is prescribed for extreme cases of pain, including surgery recovery or chronic pain. However, due to the high risk of addiction, it is important for individuals to only take fentanyl under the supervision of a prescribing professional.

Can fentanyl be absorbed through your skin?

Yes, fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin.

However, it is a common misconception that casual contact with illicit drugs like fentanyl will cause harm. The only type of fentanyl designed to be absorbed through the skin is a transdermal patch, and it should be given to individuals by a healthcare provider. Absorption through patches on the skin is slow, absorbing for hours and days,