Fentanyl is an opioid that’s gaining major awareness for all the wrong reasons over the last several years, as the rate of fentanyl abuse and overdose has skyrocketed across many parts of the country. Part of what has made fentanyl so dangerous is the simple fact that many people, including those who abuse it, don’t really know much about it.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re here to offer caring drug rehab services to patients around Boise, Pocatello and nearby parts of Idaho, including fentanyl detox and other fentanyl rehab programs. Educating both patients and their families about the dangers of fentanyl is a common piece of these programs, and such knowledge can be quite helpful in many cases. Here are some simple facts about fentanyl and its rising abuse rates to keep in mind.
“Fentanyl” is Just One Name
Because fentanyl is a prescription drug that has both original and generic versions, it’s important to note that “fentanyl” is just one of many brand names for this drug. Others include Actiq, Duragesic, Subsys and more. If you hear about a loved one or someone else abusing these prescription drugs, they may be talking about fentanyl itself or any of its other forms.
It’s important to look beyond the actual brand name of a drug and focus on the main ingredient, in this case fentanyl. No matter what it’s called or how it’s packaged, fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid that can quickly lead to addiction and overdose.
Fentanyl is Similar to Other Opioids, But More Powerful
In certain ways, fentanyl mimics other opioids like oxycodone and heroin. All of these drugs bind to certain receptors in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria and pain relief. However, fentanyl is far more powerful than its opioid counterparts – by some estimates, it’s up to 50 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than heroin.
This potency is what makes fentanyl so dangerous; even a small amount can lead to overdose and death. It also means that individuals may become addicted faster and have a harder time getting off of fentanyl compared to other opioids.
Fentanyl Can Be Lethal on Its Own or Mixed with Other Drugs
Fentanyl has been found mixed into various street drugs, including heroin, cocaine and even prescription pills. This can potentially have deadly consequences because the user may not know that their drugs are laced with fentanyl. Even worse, fentanyl is often added to increase potency at a lower cost for drug dealers.
In some cases, individuals may also mix fentanyl with other substances on purpose, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines like Xanax. This combination greatly increases the risk of overdose and can be extremely dangerous.
Fentanyl Blocks Brain Receptors
The method fentanyl uses to alleviate pain, much like other opioids, is by binding to receptors in the brain that are responsible for feeling pain. However, it also has a major impact on the reward center of the brain, which can lead to addiction and dependence.
With repeated use, fentanyl can actually change the way these receptors function, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to feel pleasure without the drug. This reinforces addictive behavior and can make it harder for users to quit.
Fentanyl Stays In Your System
In many cases, fentanyl will remain in your system for up to a full day or even longer. This means that even if you only take it once, it can be detected in your urine or blood for a significant amount of time.
This can pose a challenge for individuals seeking to get off fentanyl and other opioids; they may experience withdrawal symptoms until the drug is completely out of their system, which can take days or more depending on their usage.
Fentanyl Can Be Prescribed, But It’s Highly Controlled
Because fentanyl does have legitimate medical uses – such as treating severe pain in cancer patients – it can be prescribed by doctors in certain situations. However, due to its high potential for abuse and addiction, fentanyl is heavily regulated by the government.
It’s important to note that just because someone has a prescription for fentanyl, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are using it correctly or legally. It’s always important to follow dosage instructions and only use medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Fentanyl may go by different names and have different forms, but ultimately it is an extremely potent and dangerous opioid. Its abuse rates continue to rise, making education about the drug crucial in preventing addiction and overdose. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals who can provide individualized treatment and support on the road to recovery. Recovery IS possible with the right resources and support system.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and live a fulfilling life in recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our fentanyl rehab programs and how we can support you or your loved one’s journey to sobriety, whether you’re in Boise, Pocatello or any nearby part of Idaho.
