Fentanyl is considered to be one of the most potent painkillers in synthetic form. While it is an excellent drug in controlling severe pain, especially in surgeries or when the patient suffers from cancer pain, its potency is also very addictive. Because of the continuous effect of the opioid crisis across the globe, the abuse of fentanyl has been a cause of great concern. One of the most alarming aspects of fentanyl addiction is withdrawal from the substance of fentanyl, often very painful and hazardous.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much stronger than morphine, as it is 100 times more potent. It is about 50 times more potent than heroin. It is used in managing severe pain in patients with advanced cancer or recovering from major surgeries. However, fentanyl is also manufactured illegally and mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, increasing the risk of overdose.
While fentanyl can indeed be a life-saving drug in the right hands and under proper medical administration, the misuse and abuse of fentanyl have soared to unimaginable heights in recent years. Due to its huge potency, it has a very high potential for addiction, and misusers often develop dependence on the drug.
The dangers of Fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl addiction is a severe issue that leads to disastrous outcomes. Misuse of fentanyl can lead to euphoria or extreme pleasure, which makes an individual want to continue using the drug. Eventually, the body develops tolerance for fentanyl, and the individual needs more and more doses to achieve the same effects. It can easily get out of hand and lead to physical and psychological dependence, in which the individual feels they cannot function without the drug.
Fentanyl is one of the most lethal drugs because of its overdose risk. Because fentanyl is so powerful, even an inaccurate dosage will result in an overdose that will lead to a fatal overdose. Most people consume fentanyl unwittingly when buying street drugs; hence, many people die due to fentanyl overdoses.
What is Fentanyl withdrawal?
Fentanyl withdrawal comes in as that process by which an individual addicted physically to this substance quits administering it or cuts the amount consumed. In a case of being more serious than those in withdrawals associated with a lower potent form of opioids such as codeine and hydrocodone, severe symptoms and numerous times cases even severe enough that physical and emotional stress results when attempting to discontinue its intake.
Symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal might start within hours after the last dose and can last for several days to weeks. The length and severity of the withdrawal depend on the duration that the person has used fentanyl, the amount they were taking, and general health.
Common symptoms of Fentanyl withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are pretty much the same as those caused by other opioids, but in this case, they are even more severe. This is mainly because of its potency. Here are some common symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose or watery eyes
- Rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure
- Tremors or shaking
Psychological symptoms:
- Anxiety or panic
- Depression or mood swings
- Irritability or agitation
- Intense cravings for fentanyl
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
The physical symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal are accompanied by a deep sense of discomfort and distress. The process of detoxification may seem overwhelming in the face of these symptoms. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression may also further complicate the recovery process, causing the individual to lapse back into use in an attempt to alleviate the distress.
Challenges of Fentanyl withdrawal
Fentanyl withdrawal is particularly challenging because of the intense and prolonged symptoms. Unlike other opioid withdrawals, which may peak within a few days, fentanyl withdrawal can last longer and be more difficult to manage. The severity of withdrawal symptoms is one of the main reasons why individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction often need professional treatment and support to recover.
Another challenge is the possibility of relapse. The withdrawal symptoms and psychological stress can be so intense that one may go back to using the drug to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. This is very risky because even minimal doses of fentanyl can trigger an overdose, especially if the individual has passed through the withdrawal process and the tolerance level has been reduced.
Conclusion
Fentanyl withdrawal is a very challenging and often dangerous process that requires professional treatment and support. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms, combined with the risk of relapse and overdose, makes fentanyl addiction recovery a complex journey. However, with the right medical and psychological interventions, individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction can begin the process of healing and recovery. It is important for anyone who is addicted to fentanyl or withdrawing from it to seek professional help. Understanding the risks and challenges of fentanyl withdrawal can be the first step toward regaining control over one’s life and achieving long-term sobriety.
