Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Austin, TX

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, produced both as a pharmaceutical drug and an illegal narcotic. It’s often prescribed by doctors to manage extreme pain levels for patients recovering from major surgery or for those who are terminally ill. However, due to its high potency and euphoric effects, fentanyl is also widely abused.

Fentanyl Uses

Originally invented to treat severe cancer pain, fentanyl is now a common component in illicit drug labs. Drug dealers mix it with more costly drugs like heroin because it’s relatively inexpensive to make. Consequently, this creates a dangerous situation as users often unknowingly ingest fentanyl.

Thus, leading to overdoses and deadly consequences. Its high potency makes fentanyl a lethal substance, even in small doses. This connection between fentanyl and heroin has led to the need for specialized heroin and fentanyl addiction treatment.

How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain?

Fentanyl affects the brain by binding to its opioid receptors. Primarily those located in areas of the brain responsible for pain and emotion. When it attaches to these receptors, fentanyl increases the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain’s reward areas. Thus, producing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief.

However, this surge in dopamine is also what contributes to the reinforcing effects of the drug, leading to the potential for addiction. Additionally, opioids like fentanyl depress the respiratory centers in the brain. Consequently, leading to slowed or stopped breathing, which is the primary cause of death in opioid overdoses.

Effects of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It’s highly addictive and a tiny dose, as small as the tip of a pencil, can be fatal. Fentanyl abuse can lead to rapid respiratory depression and damage to internal organs.

Fentanyl, like other opioids, has a range of short and long-term effects on the body:

Short-Term Effects

• Euphoria and relaxation: A feeling of intense happiness and calm.
• Pain relief: Due to its potent analgesic properties.
• Drowsiness: Feeling sleepy or fatigued.
• Nausea and vomiting: Common side effects of many opioids.
• Constipation: Reduced bowel motility.
• Slowed breathing: Opioids depress the respiratory system, which can lead to shallow or slowed breathing.
• Confusion: Cognitive functions can be impaired.
• Constricted pupils: Known as “pinpoint pupils.”

Long-Term Effects

• Addiction: Regular use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
• Increased tolerance: Need more of the drug to achieve the same effect.
• Respiratory distress or failure: Chronic use can lead to persistent respiratory problems.
• Weakened immune system: Potential increased susceptibility to infections.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Chronic constipation and other digestive issues.
• Brain damage: Due to repeated episodes of hypoxia (low oxygen) from depressed respiration.
• Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide.
• Risk of overdose: As tolerance grows, there’s a higher risk of accidental overdose, which can be fatal.

It’s important to stress that the potency of fentanyl is much higher than many other opioids, so the risk of overdose and its associated effects is particularly significant.