There is currently a continuing opioid crisis in the United States. You may assume it’s simple to prevent yourself from developing an opioid use disorder; after all, nobody wants to have to cope with a drug abuse problem. Those who use opioids like morphine or the synthetic opioid fentanyl are at risk of developing a dependency on the substance whether they use it illegally or through a doctor’s prescription.

Indeed, fentanyl addiction is a significant factor in the present opioid crisis. Synthetic opioids, especially illicit fentanyl, are the leading cause of overdoses in the United States. It’s important to get professional addiction treatment from a trained expert before you or someone you care about reaches the point of overdose.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

The opioid pain reliever, fentanyl, is widely accessible in several dosage forms, including pills, sprays, injections, and patches. Fentanyl is highly addictive, even when administered medically and for a limited duration. Prescription fentanyl addicts are more likely to abuse the drug by seeking it out illicitly, taking higher doses, or using it for longer than prescribed.

Fentanyl users may also alter the route of administration (by, for instance, scraping the drug off a patch, heating it, and injecting it) to get a more euphoric high. Getting treatment is necessary if you or somebody you care about is exhibiting any of the following symptoms of fentanyl addiction.

Psychological Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl, like other opioids, disrupts brain chemistry in a way that may have serious psychological consequences. Some warning signs to keep an eye out for are:

1. Depression.
2. Hallucinations.
3. Mood outbursts.
4. Anxiety.
5. Disorientation.
6. Paranoia.

Behavioral Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Addiction may cause noticeable behavioral changes. Some of these symptoms are:

1. Avoiding contact with family members and colleagues.
2. Experiencing extreme mood outbursts.
3. Acting erratically.
4. Unnecessarily doing risky things.
5. Failing to take care of basic needs like personal hygiene.
6. Being excessively tired.

Physical Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

The misuse of prescription drugs also has negative health effects. Someone who has acquired a physical reliance on fentanyl will experience withdrawal symptoms when their dosage is suddenly reduced. Opioid withdrawal symptoms might be fatal if you abruptly stop using the drug. Never adjust your dose of a pain reliever without first consulting your doctor. Fentanyl addiction manifests itself physically with symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Mouth sores
• Shallow breathing.
• Loss of appetite.

Dangers of Fentanyl Overdose and Withdrawal

Fentanyl is often secretly added to street narcotics like heroin, so most users aren’t aware they’re abusing it. Fentanyl is more powerful than heroin as a result of its slightly different chemical composition and may be fatal even in small quantities. Some of the signs of a fentanyl overdose include drowsiness, low blood pressure, changes in pupil size, dizziness, sweating, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, and coma.

Enjoy Our Quality Addiction Treatment Services at Skyward Treatment Center.

Get in touch with Skyward Treatment Center  immediately if you or someone you know needs help with drug addiction and lives in or around Houston, Texas. Our admissions personnel will guide you on the available treatment options and give insights on the one that best suits your needs.