Generally used to treat pain after surgery, fentanyl is a powerful opioid. The effects of fentanyl can range from relieving pain, to causing more severe side effects like overdose. Depending on usage, the effects that fentanyl can have can consist of long term behavioral and cognitive issues, as well other short term repercussions.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that, just like other opioids, attaches to the pain receptors in the brain and helps to alleviate any pain being experienced by the user. It can also provide a euphoric, relaxed sensation. This is what fentanyl addicts desire to feel by using the drug recreationally. Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug, it has a medical purpose, but it also has a high risk of being abused and causing an addiction to form. Once addiction has been reached, stopping the drug can be harder, and the body can require more of the drug to function properly, leading to fentanyl overdose.

Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

Knowing the signs associated with fentanyl overdose could potentially save someone’s life. Looking for these signs can be crucial to identifying overdose:

“Pinned” or small pupils
Falling in and out of consciousness
Slowed breathing
Discoloration of the lips and nail beds
Limp body and limbs
Choking or gurgling sounds

Watching out for these signs can potentially lead to being able to reverse the overdose and save the person’s life.

Side Effects of Fentanyl

Fentanyl effects can be long term or short term depending on usage, length of use, and any underlying physical and mental health issues the person may be having. Using heroin can cause mental and physical side effects, and understanding fentanyl effects can help someone to seek recovery.

Mental Side Effects

Mentally, fentanyl effects can be experienced even in short term use. Short term effects of fentanyl can consist of confusion, cravings, depression, and anxiety. Because fentanyl use can rewire the brain and change its functionality, these symptoms can be experienced even after the drug use has ceased. The functionality of the brain needs to be rewired back to normal and this can take time to happen. These mental symptoms are partially why receiving professional help for fentanyl addiction is highly recommended.

Physical Side Effects

Physically, fentanyl effects can be seen in a person using the drug. The slurred speech, drowsiness,”pinned” or constricted pupils, and slowed breathing are all seen in fentanyl addicts. However, using fentanyl can lead to overdose which can lead to long term side effects on the body, including Rhabdomyolysis. Overdose can cause damage to the muscle tissue and cause muscle proteins to enter into the bloodstream. This can lead to heart or kidney issues, and possibly permanent disability.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Fentanyl

Fentanyl effects can be experienced even when the drug is removed. Dependence leads to inevitable withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal, including fentanyl, can be an unpleasant experience, but it can also lead to long term side effects.The symptoms that can be experienced vary from person to person, but there are some general symptoms that are associated with fentanyl withdrawal:

Muscle and body aches
Insomnia
Restlessness in the limbs and body
Cravings
Depression
Anxiety
Diarrhea and vomiting
Hot and cold flashes
High blood pressure

These symptoms can begin as soon as a few hours after the last use, and can last anywhere from three days to a few months depending on the person. Again, these symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, and this is why most people trying to come off the drug opt to seek professional addiction treatment. Being medically supervised during detoxification can help to address these symptoms, as well as prevent severe complications that can occur during the withdrawal phase.

Fentanyl Addiction

Addiction to fentanyl can be fatal. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl was a factor in 71,238 overdose deaths in 2021. Family, friends, and other loved ones feel fentanyl effects even when they are not the ones who are physically using the drug. Fentanyl addiction can lead to legal issues in the life of the person who uses it, as well as social and economical consequences. Homelessness is rampant among fentanyl addicts.

Fortunately, addiction to this drug is treatable and there is help available. There are addiction professionals who are trained to help those seeking recovery from fentanyl addiction. These professionals can help to address all of the physical and mental concerns associated with addiction to fentanyl. Medication as well as behavior therapy has proven to be beneficial in the lives of addicts during early recovery, and receiving this help can be pivotal to saving someone’s life.

Treat Opioid Addiction in Orange County

Opioid addiction is a monster that affects the addict, as well as those around them. Getting help for physical addiction is the first step to recovery from opioid addiction. Here at Ocean Hills, our goal is to provide care catered to the person needing it. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction and needs help, contact us today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

What are the Side Effects of Fentanyl?