20 Signs Of Fentanyl Addiction
The Signs Of Fentanyl Addiction You Need To Know
Fentanyl is a dangerous opiate drug that is highly addictive and frequently abused. Although it resembles morphine chemically, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Signs of fentanyl addiction are very unpleasant, and if you or a loved one is experiencing them, you need to get help right away. WhiteSands Treatment provides excellent care for people needing to detox from fentanyl.
Signs Of Fentanyl Addiction
Not every person who is prescribed fentanyl becomes addicted, but it is very easy to build a dependency that can get out of control. There are a number of signs of fentanyl addiction including being sleepy all the time. Fentanyl abuse symptoms, while similar to those of other opioid addictions, are more intense when the drug is abused. The signs of fentanyl addiction include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Severe heartburn
- Bone and muscle pain
- Decreased appetite
- Significant weight loss
- Difficulty urinating
- Vision problems
- Hallucinations
- Red skin
- Dry mouth
- Intense sweating
- Itching
- Swelling of limbs
- Sores
- Severe mood swings
- Euphoria
- Depression
- Flu-like symptoms
How To Know If Someone Is On Fentanyl
Do you suspect someone you care about is “hooked” on fentanyl? When this drug is abused, it is more likely to cause an overdose scenario than heroin. In addition to the physical signs of fentanyl addiction, there are also behavioral issues that are manifested when someone is abusing this drug. How to know if someone is on fentanyl can be determined when their main focus is always on the drug. When the person you are concerned about has a legal prescription but runs out early, they are most likely abusing the drug. Observation of behavior is how to know if someone is on fentanyl. Addicts will do anything to support their need for fentanyl including taking part in illegal activities. He or she might steal money from family or friends, doctor shop, forge a prescription, steal another person’s pills, or try buying them illegally on the street. Other behavioral signs include lying, withdrawing from relationships, failing classes, missing work, staying out all night, and not participating in family activities. Fentanyl is frequently a gateway drug for heroin, which is much cheaper.
Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms
Fentanyl is much more powerful than morphine, and it’s very easy to overdose on this dangerous drug. It doesn’t matter whether a person got hooked on Fentanyl with a legal prescription or bought it illegally on the street, the damage the drug can do to a person’s body and life is the same. Fentanyl overdose symptoms may be intentional or accidental and are very dangerous. They include the following:
- Labored breathing
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Skin is cold and clammy
- Difficulty talking
- Staggering
- Small pinpoint pupils
- Muscle weakness
- Very slow heartbeat
- Slow pulse
- Bluish tint to lips and nails (cyanosis)
If someone is displaying these fentanyl overdose symptoms, call 911 immediately. Without medical attention, the person could die. The biggest risk posed by a fentanyl overdose is the dangerous effect it has on the person’s heart rate and breathing. Overdose survivors face serious challenges. Respiratory depression can result in hypoxia and cause permanent brain damage. It’s easy to understand why getting immediate help is so critical.
If you suspect someone you love is addicted to fentanyl and is dangerously abusing this drug. Get help right away. In the Tampa area call WhiteSands Treatment for professional and compassionate care (877) 855-3470.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.