Is Fentanyl an Opioid? Understanding Fentanyl, Addiction and Treatment

Understanding Fentanyl as an Opioid

What Is Fentanyl?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that was developed as a prescription medication to treat severe pain. 

When used as prescribed, fentanyl is highly effective. However, it is powerful and very easy to produce. This has resulted in fentanyl becoming the main driver of overdose deaths in the United States.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that come from the opium poppy plant. 

This class includes morphine, heroin, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.They work by activating opioid receptors to block pain signals.

This class of drugs is highly addictive, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl is the main driver of opioid overdose deaths.

Is Fentanyl Classified as an Opioid?

Fentanyl is classified as an opioid because it works on the opioid receptors to block pain. It is not a naturally occurring substance and is manufactured synthetically. 

This substance is far more potent than natural opioids and can result in fatality in very small doses. Fentanyl test strips have been developed for overdose prevention because it is often hidden in other illegal drugs such as cocaine or pills, 

Is there a Difference Between an Opiate and Opioid?

An opiate is derived from the opium poppy plant, whereas opioids are drugs that include opiate-like substances. Opioids can be natural or synthetic.

How Fentanyl Works in the Body

How Does Fentanyl Work as an Opioid?

Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system. 

This blocks pain signals and triggers a release of dopamine, leading to pain relief and feelings of euphoria. 

How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain and Nervous System?

However, it also depresses the central nervous system, which can slow breathing and heart rate, increasing the risk of overdose.

How Does Fentanyl Make You Feel?

The main impact of fentanyl on the body is relaxation. 

Like other opioids, it targets pain receptors and can lead to changes in thinking and mood, resulting in feelings of euphoria and happiness. 

This manipulation of mood creates the desire for continued experience, making individuals more likely to try using fentanyl again and becoming addicted. 

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in the Body?

This substance can remain detectable in the body for 1 to 4 days in blood tests and 1 to 3 days in urine tests. 

Its presence depends on various factors such as dosage and frequency of use. Generally, it takes about 35 hours to clear from the body after use, but this can vary.

Can You Develop Tolerance to Fentanyl?

It is possible to build a tolerance to fentanyl, which means that over time, you may need to take higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or effects. 

This tolerance can develop rapidly, especially with long-term use.

Medical Uses and Forms of Fentanyl

Does Fentanyl Have a Medical Use?

Fentanyl is used medically to treat severe pain, particularly after surgery or for chronic pain conditions like cancer. 

It is a powerful synthetic opioid that is prescribed under strict medical supervision.

It comes in nasal sprays, patches, pills, or injections. Fentanyl is often used in clinical settings, such as after surgery. 

What Is Fentanyl For?

Medically, fentanyl was developed to manage breakthrough pain in adults and adolescents 16 years of age and older who are already routinely taking other opioid pain medicines for cancer. 

Is Fentanyl Prescribed?

This powerful opioid is prescribed in the form of nasal sprays, skin injections, and skin patches. 

Nasal sprays are not for use when pain is not cancer-related, but other formulations may be used to address migraine headaches or surgical pain. 

Is Fentanyl a Prescription Drug?

Fentanyl was developed as a prescription drug for severe pain management. 

It is still prescribed for pain after surgery, due to cancer, or for other chronic pain treatment. This medication is highly effective when used as indicated for pain other medications do not relieve.

Is Fentanyl a Pill?

Fentanyl comes in several formulations, including prescription pills. 

It can also be prescribed as transdermal patches, lozenges, buccal tablets, and injectable medications. 

Fentanyl’s Potency, Effects, and Risks

Is Fentanyl a Strong Opioid?

The potency of fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, making it more powerful than other prescription opioids. This drug is effective in minuscule amounts.

What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Its incredible potency significantly increases the risks of use. Even in small amounts, it is possible to overdose on fentanyl. 

Because its sedative effects suppress respiration, it can lead to respiratory failure and death. 

Additionally, it is easy and inexpensive to produce in laboratories, which has made illicit manufacture and distribution widespread. This means illegally made fentanyl is sometimes hidden in counterfeit pills or other substances, and in deadly doses. Individuals can take fentanyl without realizing they are doing so. 

Can Fentanyl Be Absorbed Through Air?

Fentanyl cannot be absorbed through the air. 

While it is sometimes prescribed in aerosol form, absorption into the lungs is not the same as absorption through the air. 

Can Fentanyl Be Absorbed Into Skin?

However, fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, typically through direct, constant contact over hours or days. This process is facilitated by prescription transdermal patches. 

Exposure to pills or fentanyl powder does not lead to significant absorption or overdose. Instead, it must be ingested.

Can You Be Allergic to Fentanyl?

While it is not common, it is possible to have a fentanyl allergy resulting in hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties. 

If you have taken fentanyl and experience these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. 

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Fentanyl?

The short-term effects of fentanyl include respiratory depression, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and slowed breathing. 

These effects can occur quickly after use and may become life-threatening.

What Are the Long-Term Risks of Fentanyl Use?

The long-term use of fentanyl can lead to severe mental health issues like depression, addiction, and cognitive impairment, as well as physical effects such as respiratory damage and gastrointestinal problems. 

Additionally, continued use of fentanyl significantly increases the risk of overdose due to developing tolerance and dependence on the drug.

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose and Emergency Response

What Are the Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose?

Learning to identify a fentanyl overdose can save a life. Signs of fentanyl overdose include:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Blue or purple lips and nails
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold or clammy skin
• Choking or gurgling
• Unresponsiveness
• Folding over/limp body

If you suspect an overdose, it’s crucial to call for emergency help immediately.

Can Fentanyl Overdose Happen With a Small Amount?

Due to its potency, it is possible to overdose on fentanyl when consuming only a small amount. 

Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Because it can also be unknowingly ingested through other illicitly manufactured drugs, it can be difficult to assess dosage properly.

Does Naloxone Reverse a Fentanyl Overdose?

Naloxone (Narcan) can be used to prevent fatal fentanyl overdoses by blocking opioid receptors in the brain to prevent continued dopamine release. This stops the body’s respiration and other processes from being suppressed. 

This drug is available through pharmacies without a prescription and has even become popular to stock at some Little Free Libraries, food pantries, and community centers. It can be administered by injection or nasal spray and takes effect within a few minutes of dosing.

What Should You Do During a Suspected Fentanyl Overdose?

Contact medical services and administer naloxone if you suspect a fentanyl overdose. 

If the person is not breathing, begin rescue breathing and chest compressions. If the person is unconscious but breathing, roll them onto their side, placing them in the recovery position to prevent aspiration or choking on vomit.

Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them and prepare to administer a second dose of naloxone. Even if they wake up, they may not be recovered. 

If they are unconscious and vomit, sweep out their mouth with your fingers to keep their airway clear. The recovery position will help fluids drain.

While you may hesitate to dial 911, know that Good Samaritan laws typically protect the person who overdosed. By calling emergency services, you may save a life and are legally protected.

Finally, stay with the person and follow up. Stage an intervention to help them follow through on recovery services. After an overdose, the real healing work begins.

When Should You Call Emergency Services?

If you or someone else is experiencing confusion, goes limp, or is breathing shallowly after fentanyl use, you should contact emergency services immediately. 

Fentanyl Addiction

How Does Fentanyl Addiction Develop?

The high potency and rapid onset of this substance are primarily what lead to fentanyl addiction. 

Intense physical dependence and cravings can develop after just a few uses. This is because the drug hijacks the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for users to feel pleasure without it, reinforcing compulsive use despite negative consequences.

What Are the Signs of Fentanyl Dependence?

Fentanyl dependence is the adaptation of the body to the presence of fentanyl due to its regular ingestion. 

Dependence is different than addiction and is characterized by increased tolerance and the experience of withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly. 

Is Fentanyl More Addictive Than Other Opioids?

Other opioids are not as potent as fentanyl, making it more addictive. 

Its potency leads to a more rapid development of tolerance and dependence, which can result in addiction.

What Happens During Fentanyl Withdrawal?

During fentanyl withdrawal, you may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms such as muscle aches, anxiety, nausea, and cravings. 

These symptoms typically begin within 8 to 24 hours after the last dose, peak in intensity within 36 to 72 hours, and can last for 7 to 10 days or longer in some cases.

Additional symptoms include:

• Bone pain
• Diarrhea
• Cold flashes
• Goosebumps
• Disrupted sleep
• Uncontrollable leg movements

Choosing to detox in a clinical environment allows medical staff to intervene with hydration, nutrition, and medication support to reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as the risk for relapse.

Treatment and Recovery From Fentanyl

What Treatments Are Available for Fentanyl Addiction?

Therapies that help treat fentanyl addiction include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and various other behavioral therapies such as EMDR and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). 

These approaches work together to manage cravings, address underlying issues including trauma, and develop coping strategies for healing.

Will I Need Detox for Fentanyl Addiction?

While opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, it is not typically dangerous. 

Still, to prevent relapse and truly heal from addiction, medically supervised fentanyl detox is your best option.

Hawaii Island Recovery provides medically supervised fentanyl detox for adults and veterans in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Our small-group rehabilitation programming takes place in a serene setting that incorporates culture, spirituality, and modern medicine to support long-term recovery.

Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Support Opioid Use Disorder?

Multiple medications can assist in healing from opioid use disorder. These include buprenorphine, naloxone, and naltrexone. 

At Hawaii Island Recovery, we administer them alongside other evidence-based therapies to create a comprehensive healing experience during your treatment.

What Therapies Help Treat Fentanyl Addiction?

Therapies that help treat fentanyl addiction include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). 

These approaches work together to identify the underlying causes of addiction as well as thoughts and behaviors that keep you in an addictive pattern. When you can manage cravings, address underlying issues, and develop coping strategies for recovery, you will find your ability to choose healthy behaviors increases, supporting your long-term wellness.

What Support Helps Prevent Relapse?

Support from loved ones, support groups, mental health professionals, and healthcare providers helps prevent relapse by providing judgment-free guidance and resources during recovery. 

Treatment programs such as those at Hawaii Island Recovery often include skills-based approaches like relapse prevention therapy and mindfulness meditation to build coping strategies.

Our treatment center also incorporates nature-based and adventure therapies. Opportunities to engage with horses or the beautiful waters of the Big Island can support natural dopamine production, helping you learn to regulate and find joy without substances.