What is fentanyl, and why do so many drug prevention groups warn against it? While most people know that fentanyl is a highly addictive drug, few know much more about it. One fact that they should know is that the drug is a possibly deadly painkiller. However, they need to know much more than that. If you believe you’re at risk, you need addiction treatment services now.
What Is Fentanyl?
Let’s start with the basics. Fentanyl is a type of synthetic painkiller. It’s the same drug that doctors linked to the 2016 overdose of the famous singer Prince.
It’s highly addictive, and experts believe that Prince had an addiction to it. However, he never sought help for the addiction, which led to his early passing.
How Does Fentanyl Work?
This drug works much in the same way as other opioid painkillers. It binds to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. However, fentanyl completes this action much faster and in smaller doses than potent opioids like heroin and morphine.
Then, it boosts the production of the chemical dopamine. The brain uses this chemical to create relaxation, euphoria, and a feeling of intense pleasure. In most cases, doctors only give fentanyl to people who need pain relief around the clock. For example, doctors might administer it to people after surgery.
How Strong Is Fentanyl?
People who start taking fentanyl often need the assistance of a substance abuse treatment center. The reason why is that this drug is extremely addictive and potent. In fact, experts suggest that it’s nearly 50 to 100 times stronger than most forms of heroin.
To make matters worse, it takes a very small amount of fentanyl to get high. Such a small amount, in fact, that people often overdose when they take it without a doctor’s instruction.
When Did Fentanyl Come Out?
When people learn about what is fentanyl, they should know where the drug came from. This substance first emerged in 1960.
Within a decade, hospitals started using fentanyl as an anesthetic. Many hospitals were quick to take advantage because the drug is synthetic. Its synthetic nature made it very easy to produce and fairly inexpensive.
Does Fentanyl Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
If people develop an addiction to fentanyl, they can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. These symptoms typically include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
The good news is that fentanyl withdrawal doesn’t usually result in death. However, it is excruciating. For this reason, it’s important for people to seek help from a drug addiction treatment center during this process.
We Can Address Your Struggle With Fentanyl Addiction
Do you need a womens opioid addiction treatment center? Do you want to learn more about what is fentanyl? Consider visiting The Willows at Red Oak Recovery. We provide treatment programs just for women, and some of them include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Acupuncture
- Group and individual therapy
- Relationship counseling
- Trauma therapy
- Experiential therapy
Don’t let this deadly drug claim your life or the life of a loved one. Learn more about what is fentanyl. Get addiction treatment for women when you call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery at 855-773-0614.
