Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Overcoming addiction is an incredibly complicated journey. Each individual will have their own unique recovery experiences with any particular drug. However, the increasing prevalence of fentanyl has introduced many new dangers, with the drug being incredibly common, potent, and dangerous, especially with illicit use. Professional treatment to address fentanyl is paramount to overcoming opioid use disorder (OUD) and its effects. However, understanding the unique dangers of fentanyl is the first step to creating a personalized treatment program or understanding the needs of loved ones beginning their journey to a healthy and drug-free future. 

Fentanyl is a dangerous and powerful synthetic opioid, like methadone or tramadol. It was originally developed for clinical use in specific situations to cope with intense pain, such as chronic pain in cancer patients. With fentanyl’s potency ranging anywhere between 50 and 100 times more powerful than morphine, it is an incredibly potent drug with intense effects on those using it. Between its destructive potential when used illicitly and its propensity for addiction even stemming from medical use, it quickly found its way to the illicit market, affecting more and more people each day. 

While some may engage with fentanyl consciously, the unique addictive and powerful effects of fentanyl have led it to be cut into many other substances. This often causes individuals to be unaware that they are using it in the first place. From fentanyl being added to heroin to increase its potency to even being cut into marijuana in unsuspecting individuals, it is common that an individual may not only be unaware that they are using fentanyl, or are not aware of how much is incorporated into other drugs. This can lead to dangerous side effects or overdose, especially in those not suspecting or prepared to process fentanyl, further adding to its potential danger.

Fentanyl can have many unforeseen consequences for those engaging with the drug either consciously or without their knowledge. Identifying the effects of fentanyl is necessary to best address its dangers and create the most appropriate treatment plan possible. Some of the most common and immediate effects of fentanyl use include:

However, fentanyl can still affect an individual even after the initial effects of the drug have worn off. From damage to the liver and increase chances of heart disease to chronic constipation, bowel obstruction, compromised immune system, and emotional effects such as an increase in anxiety, depression, panic, and various other effects. This can be especially dangerous for those who already experience pervasive anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders in daily life. In some circumstances this can cause an individual to turn to addictive substances as a coping mechanism, creating a dangerous cycle of use. 

There may also be additional risks of fentanyl use depending on how it is used or ingested. Fentanyl can be administered through various means, from the use of patches to injections, pills, tablets, or even nasal sprays, each of which can carry its own risks. Administration methods like injections can leave track marks and bring additional risks like collapsed veins or the transmission of other diseases through dirty needles. The dangers of fentanyl go beyond its inherent effects and can extend to affect many facets of each person’s life.

Addiction of any kind is incredibly dangerous. However, with the intense potency of fentanyl, pursuing treatment for overcoming fentanyl addiction as early as possible is necessary. Synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, can easily lead to overdose, with potentially life-threatening consequences. In 2021 alone, there were a reported 70,601 overdose deaths as a result of synthetic opioids, the majority of which were fentanyl-related. 

However, this number does not account for the many other ways in which fentanyl can affect a person’s life. Individuals may still experience their own physical ramifications of fentanyl use. Others may also experience damage to personal relationships, social groups, and professional life as fentanyl affects their ability to go to work or perform their professional responsibilities at an appropriate level. 

No part of overcoming an addiction to fentanyl is easy, and professional treatment programs are instrumental in exploring each person’s needs and challenges throughout such a difficult time. There is no replacement for educated, professional care in overcoming addiction, with programs designed not only to address the use of the drug but its continued physical and emotional effects and its impact on entire families.

Professional treatment is the first step in a long journey of recovery, and understanding the destructive effects of fentanyl is necessary to best personalize each individual’s treatment plan. From navigating withdrawal to creating a healthy and supportive home environment to address addiction, treatment is the best way for individuals and families alike to heal and overcome addiction for a healthy and sober drug-free future.

Fentanyl is a devastating drug that has intense and dire ramifications. However, its addictive properties demand effective and professional opioid addiction treatment. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we understand the challenges of overcoming fentanyl, and the various ways it impacts the lives and families of those exposed to it. From dedicated and highly trained staff to a caring atmosphere focused on physical and spiritual healing, our approach to overcoming fentanyl addiction involves addressing the whole self. We employ a combination of proven therapeutic practices with the natural advantages of Hawaii to create a truly profound and unique recovery experience. For more information on how we can help you, call to speak to us today at (866) 390-5070.