Fentanyl addiction is
extremely serious as it is a highly potent and addictive substance. Here’s
everything you need to know about the drug.
According to the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, there has been a surge in the number of deaths due to
fentanyl overdose within the last two years. In fact, a rise in the drug’s
popularity has concerned Baltimore health care officials to the point where they
are launching a campaign for the sole purpose of raising the awareness for
fentanyl’s dangers. Fentanyl addiction is extremely serious as it is a highly
potent and addictive substance. Here’s everything you need to know about the
drug.
What is Fentanyl?
Most often used to treat
moderate or severe pain, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning
it has a higher potential for abuse. It is considered to be an analgesic and
opioid, placing itself into the same category as morphine. Though they are in
the same category, fentanyl is more potent than morphine, actually 30 to 50
times more so.
Unfortunately, many of these
overdoses have occurred within the last two years because fentanyl has often been
mixed with heroin. So while some users believe they are using pure heroin, they
are actually using a stronger, more deadly combination, which can lead to an
overdose. But because the drug is fast-acting and resembles a more potent version
of heroin or morphine, it continues to be abused by those who are searching for
a higher high.
How Does a Fentanyl Addiction Affect You?
Fentanyl has a highly addictive
nature, so it does not take much for the user to become psychologically and
physically dependent on the drug.With most forms of substance abuse, the user
can become psychologically hooked on the drug and go into withdrawals if it has
been a certain period of time since their last use. These effects go
hand-in-hand with the physical aspect of the addiction, as withdrawals can
bring about headaches, nausea, and even troubles associated with increased
heart rate.
Even without withdrawal, the
side effects of using fentanyl can include dizziness, confusion, and
drowsiness. The indirect effects of fentanyl addiction can also be life
threatening, as you are likely to run with a rougher crowd when using a
substance of this caliber. Additionally, any addiction can cause your
relationships to crumble as you spiral into a world of self-destructive
behavior.
What Should I Do if a Loved One is Addicted?
Like any other Drug abuse Huntington Beach or alcohol
addiction, you should seek professional help immediately, especially with a
drug such as fentanyl. Drug addiction treatment could potentially save the life
of someone with a fentanyl
addiction, as the number of overdoses continue to
climb. With treatment, your loved one would be able to overcome their addiction
and regain control over their life.
If you struggle with what steps to take next,
when you or a loved one has a fentanyl addiction, contact us at South Coast
Counseling today. Our professional counselors will be able to guide you through
different types of therapy we offer, our addiction treatment plans, and how you
can begin to rebuild your life.
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