The opioid crisis has cast a spotlight on a particularly potent member of its class: fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin, which means very small amounts are still extremely hazardous.
Understanding fentanyl’s potency allows us to grasp the scope of the issue and the importance of fighting the encroaching opioid epidemic. This guide provides some interesting facts about fentanyl and what you need to know about its effects, treatment, and recovery.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery, and for advanced-stage cancer. In a medical context, fentanyl is administered through patches, injections, and lozenges, designed to release the drug gradually over several hours, making it effective as a painkiller with minimal potential for abuse.
However, fentanyl is also made and used illegally, often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to increase their potency. This illicit use significantly raises the risk of overdose and death. Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating its high potential for abuse and the likelihood of leading to physical dependence.
10 Interesting Facts About Fentanyl
Some key facts and statistics are as follows:
- 42% of pills that are fentanyl positive contain enough to be lethal (nearly one in two pills).
- 70% of drug overdose deaths in 2022 were due to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
- Death from synthetic opioid overdose doubled between 2014 and 2015.
- Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly.
- The most prevalent form of fentanyl is produced illegally, usually in China and Mexico. Approximately 90% of fentanyl seizures are at ports of entry or vehicle checkpoints on the borders.
- Fentanyl test strips are gaining popularity to reduce harm and prevent unintentional overdose.
- There are numerous forms of fentanyl, such as carfentanil, which is an elephant tranquilizer and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.
- The increase in fentanyl use is due to stricter prescription controls. Opioid prescriptions decreased 44.4% between 2011 and 2020, according to research.
- Fentanyl is usually mixed into another drug, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, without the user’s awareness. This significantly increases the risk of an overdose.
- Fentanyl is also absorbed through the skin and through inhalation. This renders it dangerous for police officers and emergency responders who encounter it during a drug bust or medical emergency.
- Fentanyl overdoses are often fatal, and even a small amount can lead to a deadly outcome.
Fentanyl vs. Other Synthetic Opioids
Fentanyl is extremely potent. It can be used to alleviate intense pain, but it carries a high potential for overdose and death. That is concerning since fentanyl tends to be cut with other drugs without the consumer’s knowledge. Illegally made fentanyl is frequently disguised as other prescription opioids, increasing the risk of unintentional overdoses.
Here’s the difference between fentanyl and other opioids that are well known:
Morphine
Fentanyl is as much as 100 times more potent than morphine.
Heroin
Fentanyl is far more potent than heroin, which is already four to five times stronger than morphine. This translates to fentanyl being 50 times stronger than heroin on average.
Oxycodone
This pain medication is prescribed for moderate to severe pain and is roughly twice as strong as morphine. However, fentanyl can be as much as 100 times stronger than Oxycodone.
Fentanyl’s Effects on the Body
Fentanyl is very potent in its action on the body because it has a rapid interaction with opioid receptors within the brain. It causes rapid pain relief, but the same can affect breathing, making it slow. This, subsequently, can cause serious issues such as difficulty breathing. Fentanyl use can lead to substance use disorder, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
The following are the things you should know regarding its short-term and long-term effects:
Short-Term Effects
Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain and produces a strong rush of pleasure and relaxation. This can slow down or reduce breathing, causing respiratory distress or failure.
Short-term effects may include:
- Euphoria and relaxation
- Slowed or reduced breathing
- Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Dependence and addiction over time
Long-Term Effects
Long-term fentanyl use has been linked with severe physical and mental problems, including:
- Increased risk for overdose and death
- Increased tolerance is when more of the drug is needed to produce the same effect
- Shortness of breath can lead to not breathing and death
- There can be organ damage, especially to the heart and lungs
- Sharing needles for drugs puts one at risk of infection
Fentanyl addiction may also negatively impact individual’s daily life, their relationships, and their mental and emotional state. It is extremely important to seek help immediately if you or someone you love is addicted to fentanyl.
Real Medical Uses to Treat Severe Pain
Despite the dangers, fentanyl is still valuable in contemporary medicine. It is administered particularly for severe or chronic pain, including pain experienced by cancer patients. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is legally prescribed for severe pain management, particularly for cancer patients and post-surgical pain.
Fentanyl in a medical context is administered through patches, injections, and lozenges. These are designed to release the drug gradually over a period of several hours, which makes it effective as a painkiller with minimal potential for abuse.
Dangers of Misuse and Fentanyl Overdose
The same potency that makes fentanyl useful in the control of pain also causes widespread abuse and overdose. The margin between a therapeutic and a lethal dose is narrow. Overdose risks are high, particularly when fentanyl is illicitly misused and away from medical supervision. Naloxone is crucial in reversing the effects of a fentanyl-related overdose, and acting quickly can save lives.
Because fentanyl tends to be used with other drugs, it can have stronger effects in unpredictable ways. A person can become addicted quicker, requiring full treatment protocols to treat the physical and mental components of addiction.
Final Thoughts on Fentanyl Addiction and Facts
Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid that must be treated with caution. It does have legitimate medical applications, but its strength and potential for abuse make it extremely risky when used illicitly. Illegally manufactured fentanyl can also be found in nasal sprays and eye drops, posing significant risks to users.
The bright side of this picture is that addiction to fentanyl can be treated, most commonly through medication and therapy combined. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) includes medication like methadone or buprenorphine, whereas counseling therapy can help with behavior modification for long-term recovery.
At The Lakes Treatment Center of Copperopolis, CA, we know that addiction is multifaceted, particularly with the use of such potent drugs like fentanyl. Our medical professionals are committed to providing thorough addiction medicine services such as education, treatment, and support for recovery.
If you or your loved one is substance dependent on fentanyl, contact us today at (209) 309-3573.
