While opioids are familiar to many for their pain-relieving properties, there’s a growing awareness surrounding a particular drug: fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, when used under strict medical supervision, offers significant benefits for patients. However, its potency surpasses that of morphine and other opioids for pain relief, making it a more potent synthetic opioid. This increase in strength can lead to severe health risks and addiction issues, distinguishing it from morphine and other conventional opioids. The formidable strength of pharmaceutical fentanyl poses a considerable threat and requires cautious handling due to its potential adverse effects on health and the increased risk of addiction.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Fentanyl addiction, the We Level Up Treatment Centers can help. Speak with our hotline specialists and discover the support and professional-accredited addiction treatment programs we offer.
How Strong Is Fentanyl?
Many people wonder how potent fentanyl is, and it’s stronger than you might think. Fentanyl is very powerful, much more so than morphine or heroin. Because of this, it’s strictly controlled, similar to how Zoloft is regulated. But even with these rules, fentanyl has made the opioid crisis worse.
Dealers often mix fentanyl into other drugs or sell it on its own. It’s so strong and works so fast that it can lead to addiction quickly. This shows why it’s crucial to handle drugs responsibly, whether they’re street drugs like fentanyl or prescribed medicines.
Why is Fentanyl so Dangerous?
In 2021, an estimated 77% of overdose deaths in the United States involved fentanyl.
Even the tiniest amount of fentanyl, just two milligrams, can dramatically slow down or completely halt your breathing. Insufficient oxygen reaching the brain can result in coma, permanent brain damage, and, ultimately, death.
A barely visible speck of fentanyl is potent enough to be fatal. Dealers are increasingly using larger quantities of this synthetic opioid to dilute their drugs. This lethal mixture has led to fentanyl overdoses becoming the leading cause of death among American adults aged 18 to 45, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
Fentanyl vs Other Opioids
To show how potent fentanyl is compared to other painkillers, this table rates different opioids based on their pain-relieving power.
Opioid | Relative Potency Compared to Morphine |
---|---|
Morphine | 1x |
Fentanyl | 50-100x |
Oxycodone | 1.5-2x |
Hydrocodone | 0.6-0.8x |
Hydromorphone | 4-5x |
Methadone | 1-2x |
Buprenorphine | 20-30x |
Is Fentanyl Stronger Than Morphine?
Fentanyl is significantly more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is estimated to be about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine in its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. This increased potency makes fentanyl a powerful opioid medication used to manage severe pain, particularly in cases where other opioids might not be adequate.
How Much Stronger is Fentanyl Than Heroin?
Fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is significantly more potent than morphine and heroin.
Users may unknowingly consume a fatal dose of fentanyl when their heroin is laced with it. Dealers often add fentanyl to increase potency, but their equipment may not accurately measure safe levels, increasing the risk of overdose. Street-sourced fentanyl, produced in illicit labs, tends to be less pure and more unpredictable in its effects on the body.
Is Dilaudid Stronger Than Fentanyl?
Fentanyl surpasses Dilaudid in terms of potency, standing out as the most robust available pain-relieving opioid. Comparatively, while Dilaudid is four times more potent than morphine, fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
The skin patch form of fentanyl, Duragesic, deviates from most other opioids due to its exceptional strength. It’s strongly advised against using it for individuals not habituated to opioid use as it significantly heightens the risk of an overdose.
Are There Drugs Stronger Than Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids available, known for its high strength. Some substances may be more robust in terms of potency, such as carfentanil, which is even more potent than fentanyl. Carfentanil is a highly potent synthetic opioid primarily used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large animals. However, in terms of drugs typically used in medicine or encountered on the streets, fentanyl is considered one of the most potent opioids available.
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Learn More:
- What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
- What Is Fentanyl?
- How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your System
- Fentanyl Withdrawal
- Vicodin vs Norco, What’s The Difference & How Do They Compare?
- How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
- What is Norco? Norco Drug For Severe Pain Information
- The Dangers of Hydrocodone Addiction, Symptoms & Treatment
- Hydrocodone Side Effects, Uses, Addiction and More
- Is Oxycodone Addictive
- What Is Oxycodone?
- Oxycodone Side Effects
- Opiate Withdrawal
- Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
- Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- Tramadol vs Oxycodone: Which is Better? Side Effect Comparison
- Oxycodone Dosage Guide, Precautions, and Max Dose
- Oxycodone Vs Oxycontin. Differences & Similarities, Abuse & Treatment Options
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7How Does Fentanyl Affect The Brain?
Understanding how fentanyl addiction starts is very important to spot signs in yourself or someone close, especially if they’re using it as medicine. Lots of people hooked on painkillers got started with legal prescriptions. Even when taken the right way, fentanyl messes with the brain, making it rely on the drug to feel normal.
Fentanyl tricks the brain by replacing chemicals that make us feel good, like dopamine. Then, the brain stops making these chemicals on its own. When folks stop using fentanyl, the body can’t make dopamine like it used to, so feeling good gets tough until the body clears out the drug.
Breaking the brain’s reliance on substances like drugs or alcohol involves a period of withdrawal symptoms during the healing process. Withdrawal symptoms encompass both physical and psychological effects, making it challenging to manage alone. In severe abuse cases, attempting detox without medical assistance can even be life-threatening due to intensified withdrawal symptoms. Seeking medical detox from a reputable treatment center is strongly recommended.
Short-Term Effects of Fentanyl
Immediate and profound effects may be experienced by individuals using fentanyl, whether intentionally or accidentally. Common short-term physical effects of fentanyl include:
- Intense euphoria: Fentanyl triggers a rapid feeling of pleasure and relaxation.
- Sedation: Fentanyl may induce extreme drowsiness or sedation, affecting normal functioning.
- Respiratory depression: Its impact on breathing can cause slowed or shallow breathing, leading to decreased oxygen supply and potentially respiratory failure.
- Nausea and vomiting: Fentanyl use can result in discomfort and potential dehydration due to nausea and vomiting.
- Confusion and disorientation: Fentanyl might cause confusion, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function, hindering clear thinking or sound judgment.
Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl
Continued fentanyl use can severely impact both physical and mental health over time. Some long-term side effects include:
- Tolerance and dependence: Prolonged fentanyl use may result in tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This can lead to dependence, where quitting or reducing usage causes withdrawal symptoms.
- Addiction: Fentanyl’s strong euphoric effects can trigger compulsive drug-seeking behavior, creating a challenging cycle of addiction, both physically and psychologically.
- Organ damage: Fentanyl abuse can harm vital organs, particularly the liver, kidneys, and heart. Reduced oxygen due to respiratory issues can also damage various body systems.
- Mental health disorders: Fentanyl use raises the risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression by disrupting brain chemistry and impacting neurotransmitters’ natural balance.
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Searching for Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You? We Level Up Texas Is Opening Soon!
Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our network hotline today.
FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7The Dangers of Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl overdose is seriously risky. This drug can be lethal. While it helps with intense pain, it also makes you deeply relaxed. Doctors prescribe safe doses, but if you’re battling addiction, it’s easy to lose track. Not keeping count can lead to a fatal overdose, a tragic event happening far too often.
What to do if Someone Overdoses on Fentanyl
- Immediately contact medical emergency services (call 911).
- Refrain from attempting CPR or giving medications unless adequately trained.
- If the individual is breathing, place them on their side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
- Trained responders can position the person in the standard recovery stance, ensuring open airways.
- Avoid giving any fluids; stay with the person and monitor their breathing until help arrives.
- Naloxone (brand name: Narcan), if available and administered by trained individuals, can potentially save a person’s life. Naloxone functions as an opioid antagonist, binding to brain opioid receptors, displacing any opioids present, and triggering an immediate withdrawal response. Swift administration of naloxone can avert a potentially fatal situation.
Fentanyl Abuse Statistics
Fentanyl abuse statistics show that fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid significantly contributing to the opioid epidemic in the United States. In 2020, there were over 93,000 drug overdose deaths in the US, with fentanyl involved in over 60%. Fentanyl abuse has also increased in other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
73%
Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, were involved in almost 73% of all opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019.
Source: CDC
1.6 million
Approximately 1.6 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers like fentanyl for the first time in 2020.
Source: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health
57%
Fentanyl seizures by law enforcement in the US increased by 57% from 2019 to 2020, with nearly 17,000 pounds of fentanyl seized in 2020.
Source: DEA
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Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Helping the over 2.5 million Americans who are dependent on opioids requires a treatment program that is well-versed in painkillers and knows how to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Programs range in duration and intensity, so it’s crucial to do homework to discover the right fit.
Listed below are a few of the most popular treatment choices.
Upon completing detox, individuals may undergo various therapies and treatments as part of an extensive treatment plan. Rehab after detox is crucial for addressing underlying addiction causes. Rehab occurs in different settings:
- Residential or Inpatient Rehab: This involves residing onsite throughout treatment, receiving constant care, and participating in diverse therapies. Suited for severe addiction cases or those lacking supportive home environments.
- Outpatient Rehab: Requires traveling to the facility for treatment and returning home afterward. Suitable for individuals with supportive environments and reliable transportation.
As one of the leading options for drug rehab in the country, We Level Up Texas ensures comprehensive support for overcoming fentanyl addiction. Our team has successfully helped numerous individuals struggling with the effects of fentanyl, aiming to provide the necessary health information for addiction recovery and a positive life transformation.
Detoxification is often the initial step, especially considering the profound impact of fentanyl on the mind and body. Withdrawal symptoms, sometimes severe or life-threatening, may necessitate professional care, typically lasting around seven days. The most intense withdrawal symptoms usually occur within the first three days of detox. However, by the end of the week, individuals often start feeling more like themselves, allowing them to focus on their recovery journey.
Following detox, committing to an addiction treatment program becomes crucial. Choosing between inpatient and outpatient care is a significant decision. An inpatient treatment program might benefit those seeking a complete change in their environment and support system. Inpatient care involves residing at the treatment facility and having 24/7 access to a supportive treatment team. Being surrounded by others on similar recovery paths can offer substantial comfort and encouragement during this critical phase.
At We Level Up Texas, our team is dedicated to supporting you through fentanyl addiction recovery while also assisting in pain management and offering essential drug information to keep you focused on your recovery goals. If you’re prepared to address fentanyl use and eliminate it from your life for good, we urge you to reach out to us today. At We Level Up Texas, our team is dedicated to supporting you through fentanyl addiction recovery while also assisting in pain management and offering essential drug information to keep you focused on your recovery goals. If you’re prepared to address fentanyl use and eliminate it from your life for good, we urge you to reach out to us today.
Why Choose We Level Up Treatment Center?
At We Level Up Treatment Center, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery journey. We prioritize your well-being and provide a nurturing environment conducive to healing and growth.
Take the first step towards recovery today. Contact us to begin your journey to a drug-free life. You don’t have to face addiction alone—we are here to help you reclaim control and achieve lasting sobriety.
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https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Fentanyl-2020_0.pdf How strong is fentanyl, is fentanyl stronger than morphine, how much stronger is fentanyl than heroin, is fentanyl stronger than Dilaudid- Related Articles - Fentanyl overdose symptoms, signs & treatment. (2021).
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/fentanyl-treatment/symptoms-associated-with-a-fentanyl-overdose How strong is fentanyl, is fentanyl stronger than morphine, how much stronger is fentanyl than heroin, is fentanyl stronger than Dilaudid- Related Articles - Fentanyl side effects. (2019).
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/fentanyl-treatment/side-effects How strong is fentanyl, is fentanyl stronger than morphine, how much stronger is fentanyl than heroin, is fentanyl stronger than Dilaudid- Related Articles - How much fentanyl will kill you? (2018).
https://www.harmreductionohio.org/how-much-fentanyl-will-kill-you-2/ How strong is fentanyl, is fentanyl stronger than morphine, how much stronger is fentanyl than heroin, is fentanyl stronger than Dilaudid- Related Articles