Fentanyl-Laced Drugs: What to Look Out For

Up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, and up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, and even the smallest dose can be addictive or fatal. It is used and heavily regulated in the medical world as an analgesic or for severe pain management for patients with cancer. Unfortunately, it's also being manufactured illegally for sale on the black market, which is leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl-related deaths and addiction. 

Fentanyl Is Highly Addictive 

Like heroin, fentanyl is an opioid that increases feelings of pleasure and reduces sensations of pain. But, as presented earlier, it's even stronger than heroine by up to 50 times. Fentanyl works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, creating positive feelings that make it such an addictive substance. This is particularly important because, just like with heroin use, the body’s opioid receptors become accustomed to the fentanyl over time, making it less effective and driving users to use higher and higher doses. 

Fentanyl-Laced Drugs

Fentanyl is so potent that even a tiny amount can result in a high. This causes drug dealers to cut it with other kinds of drugs, resulting in drugs that are fentanyl-laced. This approach makes the drugs cheaper to produce and, therefore, more profitable. Various drugs that are available on the black market can be mixed with fentanyl, including MDMA, or “ecstasy” as it's also known, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. 

It's not clear when fentanyl has been added to other illegal drugs, so those using the drugs may have no idea whether the drugs contain fentanyl or not. Still others may be aware that their regular drug of choice has been cut with fentanyl, but have no way to know how much fentanyl is mixed in with the other drug or whether it's a fatal dose.

Fentanyl is often added to other drugs in a variety of ways, including being ground up into powder that is mixed with other narcotics, added to nasal sprays, and even made into pills that look just like regular prescription opioids. 

Concerns with Fentanyl-Laced Drugs

The dangers of fentanyl

Two key concerns when it comes to fentanyl-laced drugs are fentanyl’s addictive properties and its danger.

First, fentanyl is particularly addictive. People taking drugs laced with fentanyl without their knowledge can unknowingly become addicted. 

Second, fentanyl is incredibly dangerous, with doses of around 2mg being fatal. Indeed, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that just a single kilo of fentanyl is enough to kill 500,000 people. The DEA also states that 42% of all pills tested for fentanyl have at least 2mg of the drug in them, so it's easy to see why fentanyl laced drugs are a massive problem. 

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

While it can be hard to tell if there is fentanyl in a street drug, there are indications that someone has a fentanyl addiction. 

Mental indicators

Indicators of fentanyl addiction by one knowingly taking the drug include wanting to use fentanyl more than usual or having problems stopping its use. Those with fentanyl addiction may also experience psychological withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, and hallucinations when they stop taking the drug. 

Physical indicators

Physical indicators of fentanyl addiction include withdrawal symptoms such as: 

• Cold flashes, usually accompanied by goosebumps on the flesh
• Stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea 
• Sleep issues 
• Bone and muscle pains 
• Uncontrollable leg movements 

Both the mental and physical symptoms of fentanyl addiction can be severe. They can also present in a very short space of time, such as just a few hours after the person took a dose. 

Treating Fentanyl Addiction

Even though the mental and physical indicators of fentanyl addiction are distressing, treatment and recovery for this condition are possible. Although, because of the severity of the symptoms and the addictiveness of fentanyl, kicking the habit can be particularly tough without professional support.

Fentanyl addiction treatment at Jackson House Recovery Centers involves a powerful combination of supports, including medical management to help you detox, therapy to help you understand and deal with the driving factors of your addiction, and proper nutrition to support the healing of mind and body.

Choose Jackson House Recovery Centers

Jackson House San Diego is a residential addiction treatment center that provides support to individuals struggling with a range of addictions, including fentanyl addiction. 

At Jackson House, we treat every patient as an individual on their journey to recovery. Jackson House has a caring staff and an effective approach to addiction treatment. Contact Jackson House Recovery Centers today to learn about treatment for yourself or a loved one dealing with fentanyl addiction.