What Are Different Types of Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is an opioid drug with a very high risk for abuse. The drug’s purpose is to treat acute pain in hospitals for patients who have surgery or for patients who have severe chronic pain issues. It’s an effective drug when it’s used as intended, but with the risk of dependence and addiction so high, it can be dangerous for even those who take it as prescribed. 

Fentanyl is about 50-100 times more potent than morphine and 30-50 times stronger than heroin. This puts even regular heroin users at an extreme risk of overdose if fentanyl is taken in excess. On the street, heroin is often mixed with fentanyl for a higher potency. However, the ratio of fentanyl used is unknown to the user, which could easily lead to overdose. 

What Does It Look Like?

Fentanyl can come in various forms and appearances depending on how it’s manufactured and distributed. When it’s prescribed legally, fentanyl can be administered using transdermal patches, lozenges, sublingual tablets, buccal tablets, nasal sprays, or injectable solutions. Illegally produced fentanyl can come in powder form, which may range in color from white to off-white or even tan or brown. It can also be pressed into pill form made to look like other medications or sold as loose powder for snorting or mixing with other drugs. Illicit fentanyl can also be found in solutions for injection or mixed into other drugs like heroin or cocaine. It’s important to know that the appearance of fentanyl can vary greatly depending on its source and how it’s processed.

Who Uses It?

Medically, fentanyl is used to manage acute and chronic pain. People who use fentanyl illicitly are usually seeking the euphoric feeling it produces or enhancing the effects of other drugs.

How Does It Make You Feel?

Fentanyl brings about sensations of euphoria, relaxation, and relief from pain. However, if it is misused, it can lead to respiratory depression, overdose, and death.

How Long Does the Feeling Last?

The effects of fentanyl vary in duration but are relatively short-lived, typically enduring for a few hours.

Is It Addictive?

Fentanyl, like other opioids, is highly addictive. Continued use and misuse can lead to both physical and psychological dependency, increasing the likelihood of addiction.

Is It Dangerous?

Absolutely, fentanyl abuse is extremely dangerous, especially when it’s obtained from illicit sources. The drug is exceptionally potent, up to 100 times stronger than morphine and significantly more potent than heroin. This potency increases the risk of overdose, even with small amounts. Additionally, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine and may vary widely in potency and purity, leading to unpredictable effects and a higher risk of overdose.

What Are The Long-term Effects of Using Fentanyl?

Fentanyl produces effects like those of other opioids, like heroin, generating feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. It also alters your heart rate, slows your breathing, and constricts your pupils. In some cases, it may induce hallucinations and seizures. Prolonged abuse can result in behavioral issues, impaired judgment, and interpersonal difficulties. It also increases the likelihood of overdose, oxygen deprivation, organ damage, and mental health disorders. Ultimately, the most dire consequence is the risk of death.

Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse

Some of the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction include: 

• Extreme euphoria and relaxation
• Sense of well-being
• Dizziness and confusion
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
• Constipation
• Tolerance to increasing amounts of the drug
• Drug-seeking behavior
• Respiratory arrest
• Withdrawal when use is stopped

Benefits of Fentanyl Detox Program

At New Life Recovery, our fentanyl detox program offers you multiple benefits. You’ll find that it’s a safe and supportive environment where you can undergo withdrawal under medical supervision. This ensures that any potentially severe withdrawal symptoms are managed effectively, minimizing your discomfort and reducing the risk of complications. Beyond physical stabilization, our detox program also serves as your crucial first step toward recovery. It will provide you with the foundation you need to begin your journey towards a drug-free life. By breaking the cycle of addiction and cleansing the body of fentanyl, the detox program at New Life Recovery paves the way for our clients to transition into continued treatment programs, setting them on the path toward lasting sobriety and improved overall well-being.

Where Can I Find Help, Treatment, and Support?

Detoxing from fentanyl is best done under medical supervision in a specialized facility like New Life Recovery. We have medical professionals to ensure your safety during the detox process, particularly if symptoms become severe. Following detox, we highly recommend that you continue with additional treatment, such as our inpatient or outpatient programs. While detox clears your system of the drug, inpatient treatment offers comprehensive support to help you learn how to live a life free from fentanyl in the long term. This holistic approach maximizes your chances of achieving sustained recovery.

How To Pay For Fentanyl Detox Program

For people struggling with fentanyl addiction, paying for addiction treatment can often be a source of concern. However, there are various financing options accessible. The dedicated team at New Life Recovery is here to help you navigate through these options, ensuring you find the best way to cover the costs of your fentanyl detox program. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for further details and assistance.