Side Effects of Fentanyl Misuse

By Jonathan Beazley, Founder, Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness

Our nation is in the midst of a horrific fentanyl epidemic. It seems every time you turn on the news, you hear about the devastation being caused by this powerful drug. Many deaths caused by fentanyl happen because the user was not even aware they were ingesting it, as drug cartels are selling all sorts of drugs that contain fentanyl. So, people consume a substance they purchased, never knowing it was mixed with the deadly fentanyl.

Other individuals do know they are using fentanyl. Fentanyl abuse can take several forms, but fentanyl patch abuse is the most common. Continue reading to learn all about the drug, and the worrisome side effects of fentanyl misuse.

What is Fentanyl?

Even though fentanyl has been in the news so much recently, it is not a new drug. This synthetic opioid was first created in Belgium in 1960 and then approved by the FDA in 1968. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that is also sold under the labels Duragesic, Actiq, and Sublimaze.

This opioid is so potent that law enforcement and first responders fear having any contact with the substance. It only takes exposure to a tiny amount to cause fatal respiratory distress. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin.

Why is Fentanyl So Popular?

Not all fentanyl use is unintentional. Some individuals intentionally seek fentanyl out with the objective to experience a particular high. They are fully aware that they are consuming a dangerous opioid.

Some reasons why fentanyl is popular include:

• Fentanyl is trending. Rainbow fentanyl is the latest "kid on the block." These are brightly colored fentanyl pills that are being deliberately marketed to young people.

• Fentanyl is inexpensive. Fentanyl costs less than heroin and is vastly cheaper than prescription opioids like OxyContin or Vicodin.

• Fentanyl is potent. Because fentanyl is so much more potent than heroin, choosing it allows the addict to stretch out their drug supply.

• Restriction of opioids. In recent years, the US has placed strict controls over the distribution of prescription opioids. This has caused addicts to seek out alternative opioids such as fentanyl.

How is Fentanyl Misused?

As a Schedule II controlled substance, fentanyl has a high risk of abuse and addiction. Chronic use of the drug triggers the brain’s reward system to desire it. Over time, fentanyl misuse can develop into an addiction.

Fentanyl is abused in many ways, including:

• Injected

• Smoked

• Snorted

• Used on blotter paper

• Fentanyl patch abuse

Fentanyl patch abuse is one example of misusing the drug recreationally. The fentanyl patch is designed to provide a time-released administration of the drug that lasts for about 3 days. The fentanyl patch can be abused in various ways, such as chewing it, scraping the gel contents and inhaling its vapors or injecting it intravenously, or steeping the patch like tea and drinking the drug.

What Are the Side Effects of Fentanyl Misuse?

Recognizing the behavioral, physical, and psychological signs of opioid abuse is critical in helping a loved one avoid the risks of encountering fentanyl. These might include:

• Nodding off

• Itchy skin

• Weight loss

• Impaired judgment

• Chronic constipation

• Withdrawing from friends and family

• Needle marks

• Sleep disturbances

• Trouble concentrating

• Pinpoint pupils

• Slowed motor and cognitive functioning

As with all other opioids, a person abusing fentanyl recreationally will begin to build up a tolerance to it. As this occurs, they will need higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired high, and that increases the risk of overdose and death.

A fentanyl overdose is a serious medical emergency that allows little time for successful intervention. Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Extreme sleepiness, grogginess, or fatigue

• Difficulty breathing, slowed respiratory function

• Pinpoint pupils

• Cognitive impairment

• Loss of physical coordination, inability to walk

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Coma

• Death

How Is Fentanyl Abuse or Addiction Treated?

As with any other opioid addiction, in order to break free from fentanyl you will need to enroll in an addiction recovery program. The duration of the program is determined by the severity of the fentanyl addiction, but on average expect treatment to take about 3-6 months for the best chances of long-term success.

All opioid recovery programs entail daily participation in a range of therapeutic activities. All of this help guide you toward gaining control over the psychological addiction to fentanyl. Therapy and related activities teach you new ways to respond when encountering triggers.

Comprehensive treatment includes the following elements:

1. Detox and Withdrawal. Fentanyl detox is the first necessary step in breaking free from the grip of this drug. A medical detox team provides constant oversight and medical interventions that help ease the withdrawal symptoms and support the individual throughout the detox process.

1. Active Treatment. Immediately the following detox, the treatment phase begins. Rehab involves several types of therapy as well as adjunctive activities that enhance clinical progress. Treatment will include individual psychotherapy, group therapy, recovery group meetings, addiction education, relapse prevention planning, and holistic care.

1. Aftercare. The most significant challenge of early recovery is remaining clean and sober. To help fortify recovery, it is essential to participate in several aftercare actions. These include regular outpatient counseling and support groups, active engagement in a local N.A. or A.A. chapter, and possibly living in sober living for a few months. Establishing healthy new daily routines and habits is also important in maintaining sobriety.

Rainbow fentanyl pills are the latest iteration of fentanyl misuse. These colorful pills pose a serious risk to young people who may not know what they are ingesting. If you or someone you care about is using fentanyl, reach out for help. There is a way out.

About the Author

Jonathan Beazley, Owner of Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness, in spite of a supportive family and a happy childhood, started at age 15 to walk down the unhealthy path of addiction and turned his life upside down. He carved out a new path for himself in sobriety and later began his career in the field of rehabilitation. He since has helped and advised well over 30,000 individuals and families in finding their right path. Jonathan is a Registered Addiction Specialist Level 2 and a Certified Addiction Specialist. His vision is to help heal addicts through health and wellness. He carries out his life’s purpose in beautiful Capitola, CA.

My name is Jonathan Beazley I am a Certified Addiction Specialist and founder of Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness located in Capitola, CA. My vision is to help heal addicts through health and wellness.