As with many illicit drugs, fentanyl was originally created as a synthetic opioid meant to treat high levels of pain caused by accidents or surgery. As a painkiller, fentanyl works so well because it requires smaller amounts to be effective due to its strength. Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, which makes it a common choice for combating extreme pain in patients. Unfortunately, this same strength is what has led to fentanyl being one of the easiest drugs to overdose on when trying to chase the feeling the drug can provide.
Fentanyl works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, areas that control pain and emotion. This connection blocks the transmission of pain signals and floods the brain with dopamine, the chemical behind feelings of reward and pleasure. While this mechanism makes fentanyl highly effective in medical settings, it’s also what makes it dangerously addictive. With repeated use, the brain becomes reliant on the drug to experience any sense of relief or joy.
The Effects of Fentanyl
Opioids such as fentanyl help relieve pain by blocking certain receptors that transmit pain signals to the brain to tell us which part of our body is hurt. Not only does this remove the negative feelings, but it also creates a strong sense of euphoria in users. It’s this feeling that so many Americans have died trying to achieve, as once you start using fentanyl regularly, your tolerance increases, and so too does the amount you need to feel inebriated.
The longer you abuse fentanyl, the more negative side effects start appearing. Constipation, blurred vision, shallow breathing, and frequent nausea are all possible signs of fentanyl abuse and should be a cause for concern. Any fentanyl use comes with a risk of developing these symptoms, and early prevention is necessary to protect the individual, as only 2mg of fentanyl can be enough to cause a fatal overdose.
Because fentanyl is so potent, even small amounts can trigger a fatal overdose. Knowing the warning signs can be life-saving. Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing
- Blue-tinted lips or fingertips
- Limp body or loss of consciousness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Slow or erratic heartbeat
How Quickly Fentanyl Takes Effect
One of the reasons fentanyl is so dangerous is how quickly it takes effect—sometimes in mere seconds when smoked or injected. The rapid onset can make users feel an overwhelming rush of euphoria, but it also increases the risk of overdose before they even realize what’s happening. The fast-acting nature leaves little room for error, especially when the dose is too strong or mixed with other unknown substances.
How Fentanyl Abuse Starts
Knowing how people typically become addicted to fentanyl can help you watch out for yourself or a loved one should they be prescribed the opioid, as most stories of painkiller addiction start with a valid prescription. Even when taken as directed, the presence of fentanyl for a while will change how your brain functions and make you dependent on the drug to operate normally.
For fentanyl, this alteration comes in the form of how the brain produces a natural feeling of euphoria through chemicals such as dopamine. Since fentanyl is acting as the trigger for dopamine, the brain stops its production since it no longer needs to work so hard. After fentanyl use ends, though, your central nervous system fails to create any dopamine, making it extremely difficult to feel pleasure until you’ve fully detoxed from fentanyl.
Breaking the dependencies your brain has on drugs or alcohol leads to a period of withdrawal symptoms while your mind and body heal. Withdrawal symptoms come in both physical and psychological forms, which makes it a challenge to do alone. In cases of severe abuse, detoxing on your own can even be fatal due to stronger withdrawal symptoms, so it’s always suggested to seek out medical detox from a trusted treatment center.
Naloxone and Emergency Help
Having naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) on hand can make the difference between life and death in the event of a fentanyl overdose. This medication can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids and restore breathing while emergency help is on the way. At America’s Rehab Campus, we encourage families and individuals at risk to access this life-saving tool and learn how to use it safely.
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction
When the goal is to kick fentanyl for good and live a long, sober life, America’s Rehab Campus is your go-to source of treatment. Our comprehensive and individualized treatment plans provide you with support from the moment you walk through the door and through to aftercare help with relapse prevention.
Anyone in need of addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one is encouraged to reach out to the ARC team today. Our staff will answer all of your questions and help you get started on intake or schedule a pickup to begin treatment based on your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl
- What does fentanyl feel like?
Fentanyl can create an intense sense of calm, euphoria, and pain relief, followed by drowsiness or detachment from reality. - How quickly does fentanyl work?
Fentanyl can begin affecting the brain within minutes or seconds, depending on how it’s taken. This fast action increases overdose risk. - Is fentanyl addictive even if prescribed?
Yes. Even when used as directed, fentanyl can cause dependence. Over time, the brain relies on it to feel pleasure or perform normal functions. - What should I do if someone overdoses on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately. Administer naloxone if available and stay with the person until help arrives.
