Signs of Fentanyl Use: Identifying Fentanyl Addicts
Spot the Signs of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. First developed in 1960 by Dr. Paul Janssen, the founder of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, fentanyl is prescribed to treat post-operative pain or severe chronic pain.
Because of the high potency and potential for abuse and addiction, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
If you have concerns that someone you know may be using fentanyl, it’s essential to be aware of which fentanyl addiction symptoms to look for to help you determine if they are indeed in danger. Leading experts in addiction rehabilitation, Avenues Recovery explains the different signs of fentanyl use commonly found in addicts.
The Different Forms of Fentanyl
Pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is available by prescription under several brand names. Three of the most common are Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. When prescribed by a doctor, it can be dispensed through injection, a dermal patch, or even lollipops.
Illegal fentanyl is sold in different forms. It can come in powder form or be dropped on blotter paper. It also comes in eye droppers, nasal sprays, and pressed into pills that resemble prescription opioids.
Powdered fentanyl resembles many other drugs. Because it is odorless and tasteless, it is often mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to increase their potency. Drugs laced with fentanyl are hazardous, as many people are unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl.
Illegal fentanyl is dangerous because it is made without the strict quality controls that pharmaceutical fentanyl is subject to. Illegal fentanyl is the main cause of the recent increase in overdose deaths in the US.
How Does Fentanyl Work in the Body?
Fentanyl blocks pain by binding to opioid receptors in the spinal cord and areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. These neurotransmitters block the release of pain signals to the brain, causing pain relief. In this way, opioids like fentanyl mimic the effect of endorphins, neurotransmitters produced by the nervous system.
When opioids like fentanyl bind to opioid receptors, they cause a much stronger pain-blocking signal than endorphins. This is why opioids are prescribed only in cases of severe and debilitating pain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure, which causes us to remember the behaviors that resulted in those feelings. When fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in parts of the brain responsible for releasing dopamine, it causes feelings of euphoria.
The brain remembers this high and registers it as a reward, and is naturally inclined to repeat behaviors that trigger feelings of pleasure. This leads to repeated use and over time, can create an altered dopamine response. As a result, the brain begins to crave the high only an opioid drug such as fentanyl delivers, leading to addiction.
Not only does the brain seek out the high, but as tolerance for the drug develops, increased amounts of fentanyl are necessary to recreate the same high.
What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Use?
Symptoms of fentanyl use include behavioral, cognitive, psychological and physical changes. When used correctly and as directed by a physician, fentanyl can effectively manage pain. But because it has a high risk of abuse, it is essential to be aware of fentanyl use symptoms.
The effects of fentanyl abuse differ from person to person, and not all of these signs may be present. Therefore, this is not an exhaustive list by any means, but the following are the most common signs of fentanyl addiction:
Behaviorial Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl signs and symptoms most often manifest through behavior. Depending on the length of the addiction, the severity of these signs will vary. The longer the addiction exists, the more the fentanyl addiction signs are exhibited.
Here are some behaviors that can be indicative of an addiction:
- Declining performance and/or frequent absences from work or school
- Social withdrawal and lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy
Neglecting daily responsibilities regularly - “Doctor shopping” - visiting numerous doctors to get multiple fentanyl prescriptions
- Forging prescriptions for fentanyl
- “Losing” their medication to get multiple prescriptions
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Problems with the law - fentanyl abuse can lead to criminal activity as people seek to get their hands on the drug
- Financial problems - addiction can lead to financial difficulties as people spend more money on the substance and have less for essentials like rent or food
Cognitive and Psychological Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms
Since fentanyl, like all opioids, affects brain chemistry, repeated use over time can result in fentanyl symptoms such as cognitive changes, which become more pronounced as the addiction progresses. Common cognitive changes included in the fentanyl use signs and symptoms are:
- Impaired judgment - this can include making reckless decisions, resulting in risky behavior that puts them or others in danger
- Difficulty paying attention or concentrating - inability to concentrate or pay attention has many consequences, including poor work and school performance, which can snowball into significant problems like losing one’s job or dropping out of school
- Impaired memory
- Cravings for fentanyl
- Suicidal ideation
- Mood swings - those who abuse fentanyl may experience mood swings, irritability, and anxiety
- Hyperactivity
Physical Short Term Effects of Fentanyl
Those abusing fentanyl may exhibit the following physical fentanyl symptoms:
- Dilated and constricted pupils
- Difficulty sleeping/a change in sleeping patterns
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Decreased heart rate
- Constipation
- Muscle rigidity
- Dry mouth
- Constricted throat
Identifying Signs of Fentanyl Use in a Loved One
If someone you love is displaying signs of fentanyl addiction, you may be struggling with some challenging thoughts and behaviors, including the following:
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Feeling a range of emotions from anxiety to an all-consuming fear that your loved one’s life is at risk and they may die
- Distancing yourself from them to avoid mood swings and confrontations
- Making excuses or lying to yourself or others about their behavior
- Considering contacting the police when your loved one uses drugs or gets them through illegal activity
- Feeling afraid to talk to them about their addiction for fear of driving them away
If you are experiencing or having similar thoughts and behaviors, know that it is normal to avoid addressing your concerns because you fear that your relationship or family will suffer the consequences. Unfortunately, even doctors can sometimes overlook common fentanyl symptoms or other signs of opioid abuse because they assess their patients through the bias of being familiar with them instead of objectively assessing them for opioid-related problems.
Some addiction experts recommend that doctors should also interview family members or caretakers as part of routine follow-up procedures for patients taking opioid medications like fentanyl. The purpose of this is to learn about any concerns they have and whether they notice any changes in the patient that may indicate opioid-related problems.
Getting Help for Fentanyl Use
You can always voice your concerns to your loved one’s doctor if you think they may be addicted to fentanyl or other opioids. A person is more likely to succeed in drug detox treatment and recover from addiction if those around them refuse to ignore or tolerate the problem.
As an additional option, or if it is impossible to talk to your loved one’s doctor, you can contact Avenues Recovery for guidance. You’ll be in good hands - 826 recovery professionals work at Avenues to transform lives.