Fentanyl is one of the strongest, most addictive, and most potent opioid drugs. It is used to treat severe pain and post surgery pain. If people require prescription pain medications, they may be prescribed this medication.

How strong is fentanyl? It is fifty to one hundred times stronger than morphine. Doctors prescribe fentanyl legally. It has also been manufactured illegally. Suppliers in China have been shipping this drug throughout the United States. If you have become addicted to fentanyl, though, you can find addiction rehab treatment.

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Chemical Nature of Fentanyl  

This medication is a type of synthetic opioid. Labs around the world, specifically in China, create fentanyl. Some opioids and opiates use the poppy plant in the production process. Fentanyl does not require the poppy plant. It is a product of many chemical reactions and processes that require restricted chemicals.

N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)piperidin-4-yl]propanamide is the scientific name for fentanyl and C22H28N2O is its chemical formula. Fentanyl consists of an organic compound called piperidine. Manufacturers use this substance when synthesizing many different pharmaceuticals.

There are fentanyl-based derivatives in different strengths as well. They include carfentanil, a drug that is so powerful that it is sometimes used as an animal tranquilizer.

Unfortunately, the process of making fentanyl is often unregulated. Some of these forms of unregulated and illicit (illegal) fentanyl are potent and can cause fatal reactions.

Fatal Cutting Agent  

In addition to its use by itself, fentanyl is also a powerful and fatal cutting agent. In cutting, manufacturers combine different drugs. Fentanyl is combined with many illegally sold drugs, including cocaine and heroin. This is because fentanyl is cheaper and easier to transport than other drugs. Just a few kilograms of this drug can make hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pills.

Manufacturers sometimes mix fentanyl with cocaine or heroin. Some dealers sell fentanyl in place of heroin. Since fentanyl is much stronger than heroin, the chances of overdosing is much higher. People who are addicted to heroin but use fentanyl instead have a much higher risk of a fatal reaction. Over time, overdoses from fentanyl have increased, illustrating how dangerous and potent fentanyl is.

China is a major supplier of illegal fentanyl. While there are increasing regulations, the drug continues to enter the United States. It is difficult to regulate the drug in part because there are many sites that sell fentanyl online. The sites are difficult to shut down. Once one is shut down, several more seem to emerge in its place. Many fentanyl labs use fake addresses on their sites, making them even more difficult to find, investigate, and regulate.

Opioid Abuse Symptoms  

Many people become addicted to opioid drugs. Fentanyl is just one of these drugs. Millions of people around the world have addictions to opioids, and hundreds of thousands overdose on them. Even two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal for some users.

It is helpful to know how to recognize a fentanyl overdose. Some symptoms may include:

• Irregular, shallow, or slow breathing
• Small pupils
• Gurgling or choking sounds
• Fainting
• Inability to wake
• Limpness
• Blue or cold skin

If someone displays such symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. This will provide the best chance for saving that person’s life.

Continuing to abuse fentanyl increases the risk of adverse side effects and death. Addiction to fentanyl is serious. If you are addicted to fentanyl or other drugs, there is professional drug treatment assistance available.

Regular use of fentanyl may cause users to become dependent upon it. If they become dependent, people who quit using this drug immediately may experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms may be uncomfortable. People withdrawing from fentanyl may experience anxiety, sleep issues, fatigue, pain, or stomach issues. They may become psychologically dependent upon fentanyl as well.

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction  

Addiction to fentanyl may produce many unnecessary risks. Side effects from using the drug may be severe. People who buy this drug illegally are not often aware of how potent the drug may be. Many fentanyl addicts cannot quit using the drug on their own. They may go back to using within weeks, days, or even hours after they try to quit.

For addicted people, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may be very uncomfortable. Rehab centers are available to help you quit using this drug. In addition to detox assistance, you may find recovery help as well. While attending a detox center program, doctors may prescribe you medications to help curb your withdrawal symptoms. Professionals may help you taper from fentanyl and other drugs to reduce the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms.

After you have finished a detox program, you may attend an inpatient program to help you overcome a fentanyl addiction. There are many issues that someone with a fentanyl addiction may experience. Attending therapy at a rehab center program may help you work through such issues. You may discover your triggers and work on relapse prevention. While attending a rehab center program, you may work with counselors, doctors, and other addiction recovery professionals. They will all help you treat your addiction.

Do you have a fentanyl addiction? Are you trying to quit, but have not been able to do so? Are you having trouble getting or staying clean?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, you may need to contact a drug rehab center today. It may help you find the treatment assistance you need. Fentanyl is dangerous and using it may be fatal. Thousands of people have overdosed on the drug.

Be sure to get the help you need to stop using fentanyl. While the withdrawal symptoms may be uncomfortable, once you become sober, you can live clean and in recovery.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.