What is Fentanyl Abuse

Understanding Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl, a popular opioid prescription painkiller, is often used in the treatment of pain that occurs after a surgery or a medical procedure. For many, fentanyl offers much-needed relief for pain that can be extremely distressing. This substance, which is more potent than morphine, works by raising levels of dopamine in the reward areas of the brain, bringing about feelings of relaxation and euphoria all while relieving pain. However, while this prescription painkiller has its many benefits, it can be extremely addictive because of its pleasing effects. Therefore, not only are those who are attracted to it for its effects at risk for developing an addiction, but so are those who are using it for legitimate medical purposes. For example, when taking fentanyl as prescribed, it can be easy for a tolerance to develop, which means that the individual must consume more of the substance at an increased rate in order achieve the effects he or she wants. When tolerance is occurring, addiction can quickly develop, leaving those who use fentanyl struggling to keep control within their lives. In many cases, it takes professional fentanyl addiction treatment to overcome this type of powerful addiction.

Statistics

Statistics of Fentanyl Abuse

In 2013 and 2014, more than 13 million prescriptions for fentanyl were written, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). While this number is not representative of the amount of addictions throughout the country, it does show how easy it is to access fentanyl. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) adds that between 2007 and 2011, the abuse of fentanyl played a role in an increased amount of emergency room visits, increasing that number by more than 5,000. Regarding overdose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between 2005 and 2007, more than 1,000 people died from fentanyl abuse and overdose.

Causes

What are the Causes of Fentanyl Abuse

The causes and risk factors that can add to one’s chances of developing a fentanyl addiction can include the following:

Genetic: Some of the vulnerability that one can have towards developing a fentanyl addiction can tie back to their family history. For instance, those with family members who have grappled with fentanyl abuse are more likely to do so as well. Additionally, specific personality types and temperaments can add to the desire to want to experiment with drugs such as these, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Risk Factors:

Having easy access to obtaining fentanyl
Suffering from a condition for which fentanyl was prescribed
Family history of substance abuse and addiction
Prior experience with abusing other substances
Having a novelty-seeking personality type
Having an impulsive temperament
Being in an environment where drug and/or alcohol abuse is commonplace

Signs and Symptoms

Learn More About the Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse

The signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse will vary from individual to individual, however might include some or all of the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

Visiting multiple doctors in order to obtain multiple prescriptions for fentanyl
Forging prescriptions in order to obtain fentanyl
Declined performance in work or at school
Frequent absences from work or school
Social withdrawal
Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the use of fentanyl
Slurred speech
Continuing to abuse fentanyl despite the onset of detriments as a direct result of that use
No longer taking care of daily responsibilities

Physical symptoms:

Psychomotor retardation
Constricted pupils
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Psychomotor agitation

Cognitive symptoms:

Impaired judgment
Attention difficulties
Concentration difficulties
Impaired memory
Cravings for fentanyl
Suicidal ideation

Psychosocial symptoms:

Depression
Euphoria, typically followed by apathy
Declined interest in things one was once interested in

Effects

Understanding the Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

Continued fentanyl abuse can cause several upsetting outcomes to develop within one’s life. These consequences can affect one’s overall functionality and impact the many areas of his or her life. Additionally, an individual’s physical health can be jeopardized if the abuse continues. Some of the many effects that can develop in the face of a continued fentanyl addiction can include the following:

Suffering from an oxygen deficiency in the body’s tissues (anoxia)
Onset of new, or worsening of current, mental illness symptoms
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Dry mouth and nose
Impaired visual acuity
Slowed gastrointestinal activity
Legal interactions due to criminal activity taking place in order to obtain fentanyl (e.g. forging prescriptions)
Academic or occupational failure
Disturbed relationships
Suspension or expulsion from school
Job loss
Financial difficulties

Withdrawal and Overdose

Learn More About the Effects of Fentanyl Withdrawal and Overdose

A fentanyl addiction can often occur alongside other mental health conditions. Some of the many disorders that one can experience while also grappling with fentanyl addiction can include the following:

Persistent depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder
Tobacco use disorder
Alcohol use disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Stimulant use disorder
Other substance use disorders

Co-Occurring Disorders

Fentanyl Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders

Effects of fentanyl withdrawal: Similar to the abuse of other opioids, when fentanyl use is suddenly ceased or lessened, withdrawal symptoms can begin. These symptoms can be very painful and can include the following:

Insomnia
Dysphoric mood
Aching muscles
Dilated pupils
Intense cravings for more fentanyl
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Diarrhea
Fever

Effects of fentanyl overdose: Overdosing on fentanyl is a major risk that those who abuse this substance face. An overdose occurs when more fentanyl is ingested than the body can handle. A fentanyl overdose is extremely dangerous, and if any of the following symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention: