What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid commonly used as a pain killer. A doctor prescribes it for patients recovering from surgery as a short-term aid. Fentanyl also works for chronic pain as a long-term treatment option. It has a much higher potency than morphine, another common opioid prescribed to treat pain. Users of fentanyl can build up a tolerance to this drug over time.
Fentanyl manages to simultaneously alleviate pain symptoms and give its users a sense of euphoria. It is incredibly addictive. Although fentanyl has valid and beneficial medical uses, it is still an extremely dangerous drug. It has great potential to send its users down a path to a fatal overdose. This is a common occurrence as users tend to increase their dosage as their tolerance increases.
Joining a fentanyl detox center in Houston can help you get back on track if you are addicted to fentanyl. AspenRidge Fort Collins can give you the help you need to get off fentanyl and achieve a life of sobriety.
What is Fentanyl: The Legal and Illegal Uses
Doctors distribute fentanyl to patients through a lozenge, shot, or a patch. The amount of fentanyl within a prescription contains the proper measurement to reduce the pain felt by the patient. Similar to most other opioids, fentanyl is a synthetic drug, meaning it comes from a laboratory rather than being derived from natural sources. Major brands of fentanyl include Actiq, Sublimaze, and Duragesic.
Fentanyl can also be bought illegally. The street version is commonly distributed as a nasal spray, powder, or pills resembling a standard prescribed medication. It is common for drug dealers to combine fentanyl with other drugs. When you combine fentanyl with cocaine, MDMA, or meth, it can create stronger hallucinations in the user. In the streets, Fentanyl is often referred to as Jackpot, China White, China Girl, Tango & Cash, or Apache.
Psychological Effects of Fentanyl
Fentanyl binds to your brain’s opioid receptors, which are areas of the brain that maintain pain and emotions. Initially, your brain will accept fentanyl, and you will experience relief from a low dosage.
Unfortunately, as you repeatedly take fentanyl, your brain will require a higher dosage over time as you build up a tolerance to its effects. Higher dosages of fentanyl can lead to dangerous side effects, including the following:
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Disorientation or confusion
- Chronic fatigue or drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
If you find yourself experiencing any of these side effects, seek medical help immediately. Also, finding help for your addiction is just as important. Reckless use of fentanyl can create severe physical issues or even kill you.
Treatment plans for addiction include detox, inpatient or outpatient care, and long-term support via a support group. Drug rehabilitation specialists can provide treatments and therapies, including the following:
- Programs specialized for drug rehabilitation
- Holistic therapies to benefit overall personal wellness
- Individual therapy program as well as group therapy program
- Hospitalization for a finite period
- Dual diagnosis for mental health issues and addiction
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Get Help Today at a Drug Rehabilitation Center
What is Fentanyl? Learn more at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. We offer complete treatment for opiate drug addiction. Take advantage of the full detox and treatment plan we provide to help you recover from substance abuse. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to take a step toward recovery.
