Understanding Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is commonly prescribed by healthcare providers for severe pain management. However, fentanyl is also increasingly being illicitly manufactured and distributed on the street, contributing to a surge in opioid-related overdose deaths worldwide. Its potency (over 50-100 times more than morphine) makes it significantly more dangerous than other opioids, with just a small amount capable of causing a fatal overdose.[2]

Fentanyl is often sold on the black market in various forms, including pills, powders, and patches. Illicitly produced fentanyl is frequently mixed with other substances as well, further increasing the risk of overdose and death among users.

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are predominant contributors to overdose fatalities, with even minute quantities posing lethal risks. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are responsible for 70% of overdose-related deaths.[3]

Fentanyl is currently a Schedule II substance per the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), signifying its recognized medical value but also its high potential for abuse and addiction.[4] Efforts to combat fentanyl misuse include increased regulation of its production and distribution, as well as initiatives aimed at raising awareness of its risks among both healthcare professionals and the general public.

Fentanyl Addiction and Abuse

Fentanyl addiction is fueled by the substance’s impact on the central nervous system. Fentanyl alters neurotransmitter activity in the brain, inducing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and distorted perception. These psychoactive effects significantly heighten the risk of addiction, as individuals may seek out the intense and immediate gratification provided by fentanyl use.[5]

Its accessibility in various forms, including pills, patches, and illicitly manufactured versions, makes it particularly susceptible to misuse.

Fentanyl Quick Reference Chart

Statistics on Fentanyl Use, Misuse, and Addiction

According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths surpassed 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, marking a 28.5 percent increase over the previous year and representing the highest number ever recorded in a 12-month period.[6] This surge was largely driven by overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily illicit fentanyl and its analogs, which increased by 55 percent in 2020.

Furthermore, from fiscal year 2020 to 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported a 36% increase in drug arrests related to fentanyl, rising from 2,305 to 3,138.[7]  In 2021, the number of drug arrests for fentanyl (3,138) surpassed those for heroin (2,591) for the first time, underscoring the alarming prevalence of fentanyl-related illicit activity and its impact on law enforcement efforts.

Fentanyl Addiction and Abuse

The misuse of fentanyl can lead to several adverse effects, spanning from respiratory issues to neurological damage, liver and kidney damage, and cardiac complications.[8] These health ramifications can manifest as chronic conditions or acute emergencies.

Fentanyl addiction can precipitate psychological symptoms such as mood swings, agitation, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Those grappling with fentanyl addiction often encounter disruptions in their social, academic, and occupational spheres, intensifying the toll on their overall well-being.

The cessation of fentanyl use can also incite withdrawal symptoms, compounding the hurdles of recovery. These symptoms may encompass irritability, insomnia, nausea, tremors, and cravings, presenting formidable obstacles to breaking free from the cycle of dependence.

Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

Physical Health Effects

Fentanyl abuse poses risks to your physical health, precipitating a range of symptoms and complications stemming from its misuse.[9] Chronic fentanyl use can lead to severe respiratory depression, characterized by shallow breathing, slowed heart rate, and even respiratory failure. Fentanyl use can also result in neurological damage, evidenced by impaired coordination, muscle stiffness, and seizures. Individuals may also experience gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain, accompanied by headaches and dizziness.

Risks and Complications

Using fentanyl runs the risk of developing tolerance and dependence, necessitating higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Dependence on fentanyl can precipitate compulsive drug-seeking behavior and difficulty controlling use despite adverse consequences.

Additionally, fentanyl overdose can be deadly, especially when individuals consume doses exceeding the intended therapeutic limits. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose may include respiratory arrest, profound sedation, cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly death.[10]

It’s notable that it can also take very little fentanyl to cause severe and potentially fatal effects.

Fentanyl Addiction and Mental Health

Fentanyl abuse can have profound implications for your mental health, exacerbating existing conditions and precipitating new ones.[11] Prolonged fentanyl usage may trigger mood disorders, such as anxiety, agitation, and depression, which can significantly impair your overall well-being and functioning.

Moreover, individuals grappling with fentanyl addiction may experience cognitive impairments, including memory deficits, impaired judgment, and difficulty with decision-making and concentration. These cognitive challenges can further exacerbate mental health struggles, impeding individuals’ ability to navigate daily life effectively.

Addressing the complex interplay between fentanyl addiction and mental health necessitates comprehensive interventions that integrate substance abuse treatment and mental health support. By addressing underlying psychological issues and equipping individuals with coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers, they can embark on a path toward recovery and rebuild a fulfilling and balanced life.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Treatment for fentanyl addiction is highly individualized, taking into account each person’s unique needs and circumstances. The cost of fentanyl addiction treatment can vary, influenced by factors such as the type of program (inpatient, outpatient, or residential), duration of treatment, and any additional services provided.

The duration of fentanyl addiction treatment can also vary based on several factors, including the severity of the addiction, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions, and progress in recovery. Treatment may span from several weeks to several months or longer, aiming to address underlying issues contributing to fentanyl abuse and develop effective coping strategies.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Levels of Care

If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, then it’s important to seek the right level of care. Fentanyl addiction treatment often encompasses various levels of care throughout the process, each one tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances:

• Medical Detoxification (Detox): Medical detoxification is often the first step in the journey toward recovery, providing a foundation for subsequent treatment interventions and therapies. Detox is conducted with close supervision from medical professionals, allowing individuals to safely rid their bodies of substances while effectively managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Medically Managed Care: For individuals requiring intensive medical attention and oversight, medically managed care provides a structured environment with round-the-clock monitoring and support from trained medical professionals.
• Inpatient Residential Treatment: Residential inpatient treatment provides individuals with a supportive and structured environment conducive to recovery. Clients live full-time at the treatment facility, receiving comprehensive care and support from a multidisciplinary team of professionals. With a highly structured schedule of therapy sessions, group activities, and support groups, inpatient treatment allows individuals to focus entirely on their recovery journey, free from distractions or triggers from the outside world.

Therapies Used in Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Alpas offers a range of evidence-based treatment approaches to address fentanyl addiction and support individuals on their path to recovery:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a commonly utilized therapeutic approach focused on identifying and addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction. Through CBT sessions, individuals learn coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and techniques to manage cravings and triggers. This empowering process helps individuals develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors, supporting their progress toward recovery.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with practical strategies to help individuals manage emotions, improve relationships, and develop distress tolerance skills. In addiction treatment, DBT focuses on addressing the underlying emotional dysregulation often linked to substance abuse.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a client-centered approach aimed at enhancing intrinsic motivation for change. In addiction treatment, MI helps individuals explore their ambivalence toward substance use and recovery. Through empathetic listening and collaborative conversations, therapists help clients identify personal values, goals, and aspirations. By fostering a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy, MI empowers individuals to make positive changes in their behavior, leading to a more sustainable recovery journey.
• Contingency Management: Contingency management is a behavioral therapy approach that utilizes positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors, such as abstinence from substance use. This modality rewards individuals for meeting their treatment goals, such as attending therapy sessions, abstaining from drug use, or achieving milestones in their recovery journey.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET is a goal-oriented therapeutic approach designed to enhance individuals’ intrinsic motivation and commitment to change. Through structured conversations and personalized feedback, MET aims to explore ambivalence towards behavior change, identify personal values and goals, and bolster self-efficacy. Unlike other therapies, MET does not delve deeply into the root causes of addiction but instead focuses on fostering a strong internal drive for positive change.
• Experiential Therapy: Experiential therapy is a hands-on therapeutic approach that utilizes practical activities and immersive experiences to facilitate emotional processing and personal growth. Instead of relying solely on verbal communication, experiential therapy engages individuals in various activities such as role-playing, art therapy, and outdoor adventures. These activities provide opportunities for individuals to explore and express their emotions, confront challenges, and develop new coping skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
• Relapse Prevention: Relapse prevention focuses on identifying and managing triggers, developing coping strategies, and establishing a structured plan to prevent relapse. Individuals learn to recognize early warning signs of relapse, such as stress or negative emotions, and develop skills to effectively cope with these challenges. By enhancing self-awareness and equipping individuals with practical tools and strategies, relapse prevention therapy empowers them to navigate difficult situations and maintain long-term sobriety.
• Twelve-Step Facilitation: Twelve-step facilitation involves active participation in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to support recovery from addiction. Individuals engage in group meetings, work through the Twelve Steps, and receive encouragement from peers with similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and accountability.