Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. The most recent drug involved in the opioid crisis across the United States and here in Washington State. Often prescribed after surgery or administered in hospitals for short-term use, taking fentanyl long-term can lead to addiction, overdose, and fentanyl-related death. The fentanyl addiction treatment program at Northpoint Seattle provides comprehensive treatment options for Fentanyl and other opioids.
If you or someone in your life is using Fentanyl, Northpoint Seattle can help. Call us now at 888.483.6031 to learn more about our Seattle-based fentanyl addiction treatment programs as well as our other substance abuse treatment programs.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is often 100 times stronger than morphine. A fully synthetic opioid prescribed by doctors. Most often, Fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain, including cancer and terminal illness. The drug can be injected, used as a transdermal patch, or lozenge.
Unfortunately, Fentanyl is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs on the market today. Because of its potency, Fentanyl is often more dangerous than other opioids and provides a more intense euphoria.
Effects of Fentanyl
When Fentanyl enters the bloodstream, it blocks pain receptors, releases dopamine, and slows down the body’s processing speed. Some common effects of Fentanyl include:
- Drowsiness
- Gas
- Weight loss
- Changes in vision
- Depression
- Unusual dreams
- Dry mouth
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the extremities
- Pain, sores, or irritation in the mouth where the medication was placed
- Back pain, sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Anxiety
- Difficulty urinating
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
More serious side effects include:
- Changes in heartbeat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Irregular menstruation
- Seizures
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Decreased sexual desire
- Inability to get or keep an erection
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Fever
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe muscle stiffness
- Loss of coordination
The longer someone uses Fentanyl, the more intense and frequent these and other symptoms will become. Like other opioids, Fentanyl changes a person’s brain chemistry, making it especially difficult to stop using without medical intervention.
Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction
Unfortunately, fentanyl addiction can happen after someone’s first use. Like other addictive substances, the first sign of fentanyl addiction is withdrawal. Withdrawal happens when the brain becomes dependent on the chemicals in Fentanyl for basic processing. Signs of fentanyl addiction include:
- Cravings
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Goosebumps
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Hot flashes
- Itchiness
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes yawning
Psychological symptoms include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
The longer someone uses Fentanyl, the more intense and frequent these and other symptoms will become. Like other opioids, Fentanyl changes a person’s brain chemistry, making it especially difficult to stop using without medical intervention.
Begin Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
At Northpoint Seattle, we want you to know that we are here to guide your recovery journey. The most important thing is that you get the help you need. Fentanyl addiction and abuse is serious thing. You’re risking your life every time you use it. If you’re abusing other opioids off the streets, they could be laced with Fentanyl.
Each time you abuse these drugs, you’re putting your life in jeopardy. This is one of the main risks of being addicted to illicit drugs today. Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They’ll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and ensure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free. Help is available, and it could save your life.