Opioid abuse has led to a significant rise in overdose and overdose deaths over the past few years. has become one of the most widely abused drugs in America. Abuse leads to dependence. Once the body is dependent upon the drug, it can be difficult to break free of that hold. But what happens during withdrawal from fentanyl? Well, the answer to that can vary person to person. However, it is an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for all who experience it.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is one of the strongest synthetic opioids available. It is about 50 times stronger than heroin, and 100 times stronger than Morphine. Produced in two different ways, pharmaceutically and illicitly, fentanyl has a high potential to be abused. Fentanyl was originally manufactured so it could help to treat pain post surgical procedures, and provide pain relief for cancer patients. However, since its conception, fentanyl has been manufactured and sold illegally, and has become a major contributor to both fatal and nonfatal overdoses. Even a small dose of fentanyl can lead to overdose or death.
Being that it is so highly abused, fentanyl is a schedule II drug. Abusing this drug leads to physical dependency and changes in the chemical makeup of the brain, requiring the drug for daily functions. If it is removed from the body, this results in a physical withdrawal from fentanyl.
Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
All drugs have an effect on the body of the person using them. When it comes to fentanyl, this is no different. With long term abuse, the brain’s opioid receptors begin to change. When this happens, the brain begins to adapt to the drug, and has a very hard time feeling pleasure by any means except receiving the drug.
There are other effects of fentanyl abuse that can be both short term and long term. Generally speaking, fentanyl addiction makes it hard to live every day life, the main priority of the addicted person is to find and use the drug. Fentanyl can also cause things like decreased sex drive, slurred speech, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and lowered heart rate and blood pressure. Abuse can also slow respiratory function, potentially leading to long term respiratory issues. Long term use also tends to result in withdrawal from fentanyl when the drug is no longer available for consumption.
Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal
Like any drug, withdrawal from fentanyl comes with its own signs and symptoms. Some of these symptoms are more uncomfortable than others, and some are more dangerous than others. But it goes without saying that fentanyl withdrawal is an unpleasant experience regardless of the severity of the symptoms.
These are just a few of the things that could be experienced during withdrawal:
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle and body aches
- Restless legs
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Depression
- Severe cravings
Is Fentanyl Withdrawal Dangerous?
The simple answer is yes, fentanyl withdrawal can be dangerous. There are many factors that the person experiencing withdrawal can’t monitor themselves and know if there are risks of long term effects.
The symptoms of withdrawal from fentanyl like diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Appetite is sometimes impaired due to feeling stomach uneasiness, so food and water intake is minimal in these cases. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, and there is a risk of heart attack as well. Removing the drug from the body’s routine causes a shock to the system, and in turn, the body can try to recover by overreacting to the fact that the drug is no longer available.
There are also a number of mental concerns that can arise as a result of withdrawal. Because the drug has been the main source of pleasure for the brain, when it is removed, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors can arise. These are dangerous, because if not monitored, they can lead to self harm or even attempted suicide.
How To Safely Withdrawal From Fentanyl
When deciding to withdraw from fentanyl, doing so in a safe, and medically supervised environment is highly advised. Having the ability to address any of these symptoms that be experienced with a medical professional can help to alleviate some of the feelings. Being under the care of professionals allows for safety in case of severe symptoms like elevated blood pressure or heart rate, and dehydration. These symptoms can lead to even more dangerous results. It is best to seek professional help and be medically monitored when deciding to quit this drug.
Fentanyl Detox in South Florida
It is our goal at Ambrosia to provide a safe, and comfortable environment for those looking to stop using drugs like fentanyl. Our team of medical professionals strives to make detox as comfortable and easy as possible. If you or a loved one are seeking help with fentanyl detox, contact us today and we will help guide you to a life free from addiction.
