Fentanyl is considered one of the most dangerous drugs out there today, and its grip on many people is only getting tighter and tighter. We often hear about several overdose deaths and cases of addiction.
Another growing concern about fentanyl is its long-term health effects. Data from research and clinical practice consistently show how dangerous this substance is, especially when it’s consumed excessively and for a long period.
In this blog post, read on as our experts from Luxe Recovery explore some of the long-term effects of fentanyl and how you can overcome fentanyl addiction.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed for severe pain management, particularly for those suffering from cancer or after a major surgery. In a medical setting and when properly prescribed by a healthcare provider, fentanyl can be an effective and life-changing treatment, but outside those purposes, the use of fentanyl may be far more dangerous than we realize.
Illicit fentanyl is made and distributed illegally and is often mixed with other drugs or sold as counterfeit pills. Just a few tiny grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an opioid overdose, and many people have developed a tolerance to fentanyl. In recent years, fentanyl use has driven a dramatic increase in overdose deaths and is now considered one of the most urgent public health crises we face.
What’s more dangerous is the fact that many people who take fentanyl don’t even know it’s in their system, which is what makes it so deadly as well.
Understanding Fentanyl Overdose
Since fentanyl is so potent, it poses a high risk of overdose even with a single use. Research suggests this substance can slow our central nervous system, which controls essential functions like breathing and heart rate. Therefore, when we take too much of this substance, breathing can be dangerously slow or may even stop entirely within minutes.
As we mentioned above, one of the major challenges is that fentanyl is often mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine without the user’s knowledge. This increases the unpredictability of its effects and makes drug use more dangerous.
Long-Term Effects Of Fentanyl Use
Aside from an overdose of fentanyl, the long-term effects of fentanyl use are equally serious. Over time, fentanyl changes how our brain processes pleasure, pain, and reward. In some cases, chronic use of this substance can lead to anxiety, depression, memory loss, paranoia, and gastrointestinal problems such as severe constipation, nausea, and long-term bloating. We may also experience a weakened immune system, which makes us more prone to infections and other health problems.
In addition, respiratory problems are common too, as repeated slowing of breathing can result in permanent damage to our lungs. Fentanyl can also disrupt our hormones, which may lead to fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and even mood swings.
Short-Term Effects Of Fentanyl Use
Some of the short-term effects of using this substance include intense euphoria, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.
However, it’s important to note that even small amounts of fentanyl or other opioids can suppress our central nervous system to the extent that it can cause unconsciousness or even death, especially when it’s combined with other substances.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from fentanyl use can be difficult to handle. The symptoms you might experience after drug use can start just hours after the last dose and can quickly intensify.
When you suddenly stop using fentanyl, you can experience muscle and bone pain, uncontrollable cravings, chills, sweating, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, and other mental health problems. Since the withdrawal symptoms can be harsh, fentanyl withdrawal must be treated only with medical supervision.
Withdrawal symptoms are a significant reason why some people continue using this substance even when they want to stop. Fortunately, with proper medical care and support, the detox process can be made much safer and more manageable.
Using Fentanyl With Other Substances
Mixing fentanyl with other substances is dangerous. Specifically, when you combine it with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other depressants, there’s a high tendency to overdose.
Some people also try to combine fentanyl with stimulants like meth or cocaine to balance the sedative effects. However, this can cause a chaotic response in their body as one system is sped up and another is slowed down. This type of polysubstance use is one of the main reasons why we face drug overdose deaths and crises.
What’s more alarming is that there’s a rise in illicit drug manufacturing, which means that fentanyl is showing up in places it was never intended to be.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Chronic and excessive use of this substance can lead to fentanyl use disorder or addiction. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of treatment options available to help people overcome this type of substance use disorder. Some of them may include:
Detox
If you’re struggling with fentanyl or other opioid addiction, the road to recovery typically begins with medical detox. Considering the drug’s intensity and the severity of withdrawal symptoms, detox must be done under medical supervision. Detoxing at home is not recommended because of the likelihood of major complications.
Furthermore, medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone are usually used to help reduce your cravings and lessen the adverse effects of fentanyl withdrawal.
Residential Treatment
For people who are struggling with long-term addiction or those who have experienced multiple relapses, residential treatment or inpatient care may be recommended.
In this program, you’ll receive round-the-clock care at a treatment facility. It offers a structured schedule, daily therapy, medical monitoring, and peer support. It’s an opportunity for you not just to stop drug use but to start recovering emotionally and rebuilding your life. In addition, it also includes some holistic approaches such as physical exercise, nutrition counselling, and meditation, to name a few.
Therapies
Just like other substance abuse treatment programs, after you undergo detox, therapy becomes one of the cornerstones of healing. Your therapists might use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care to help you understand your triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
These therapies can also serve as your safe space where you can address any underlying issues, such as trauma, depression, or anxiety, which are conditions that often go hand-in-hand with drug abuse.
Take The First Step Towards Overcoming Fentanyl Addiction
Here at Luxe Recovery, we understand how difficult it is to handle the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are associated with fentanyl use. But remember that recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.
We believe that no one chooses to struggle with addiction, but you can choose what comes next. If you or someone you care about is caught in the grip of fentanyl use or another opioid use disorder, there’s help, and there’s hope.
We’re here for you whether you’re ready to start treatment, ask questions, or be heard. Our program is more than just stopping drug use; it’s about rediscovering your worth, joy, and your future.
