Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that is prescribed and is similar to drugs such as morphine and heroin. However, it is stronger and more potent. It is typically prescribed for individuals recovering from surgery or undergoing cancer treatment to manage both chronic and acute pain. The drug induces euphoria and relaxation in the person consuming it, but it is also highly dangerous due to its potential for addiction. A monitored Fentanyl detox program is crucial for a safe recovery from its addictive effects. Fentanyl’s addictive nature stems from its potency, being about 50x to 100x stronger than morphine and 50x more potent than heroin. When administered through certain routes like injection or transdermal patches, Fentanyl acts rapidly, leading to quick onset of effects and increasing the likelihood of abuse and addiction. If you suspect that a loved one may be addicted to Fentanyl or has developed a dependence on prescription drugs, please reach out to us for a free assessment Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)
Addiction
Addiction can permeate every aspect of one’s life, leading to decreased time for loved ones and an inability to fulfil responsibilities and work obligations. Individuals struggling with addiction often feel compelled to escalate their intake, which can result in extreme sedation, respiratory failure, or even coma when taken in high doses or combined with other sedative substances like alcohol. Recent statistics indicate a concerning increase in Fentanyl-related deaths and poisonings, raising alarm about a growing opioid epidemic in the UK. While addiction is commonly associated with substance misuse, it’s important to recognise that it also encompasses behavioural addictions, which can be just as detrimental as substance addictions and manifest when an individual becomes addicted to a particular activity. From alcohol to illicit, legal, or prescription drugs, there are numerous highly addictive chemical substances. However, it’s crucial to understand that addiction is not solely confined to substances; it also encompasses mental health issues, with behavioural addictions posing significant risks. Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)
physical dependency
Fentanyl can lead to both physical dependency and psychological effects, making it a potential path to addiction for anyone. Certain individuals may be more prone to experimenting with the drug due to various factors that increase the risk of addiction, including social, environmental, and biological influences. There is a strong theory suggesting that individuals who have experienced trauma may be at an increased risk of developing addiction. The abuse of Fentanyl can significantly alter a person’s appearance, behaviour, and emotions, with some signs being visibly apparent while others may be subtle or develop gradually. Addiction tends to progress over time, and early identification and treatment are crucial in order to mitigate the serious consequences of the disease. Recognising the early warning signs of addiction is essential for timely intervention. Some of these signs include depression, confusion, impaired balance and coordination, dizziness, shaking, fainting, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, itching, scratching, mood swings, excessive daytime sleepiness, and unexplained weight gain. Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)