In addition to our Laconia, NH location, our soon-to-open Recovery Center in Williamson, West Virginia will allow us to assist families and individuals struggling to overcome substance use disorders (SUDs), including those involving fentanyl. Our dedicated clinicians create individualized treatment plans using evidence-based methods.
Some addictive substances like fentanyl require more intensive treatments. We have the experience and resources available to provide superior holistic care for a wide range of SUDs.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that can come in several forms with various possible additives. Doctors primarily use pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat chronic or acute pain caused by severe injury or illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pharmaceutical fentanyl can be “50 to 100 times more potent than morphine” and “is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges.”
Illegal versions of fentanyl often have other drugs mixed in, including illicit substances like heroin or cocaine, that enhance the effects. Fentanyl is potentially harmful when misused or combined with other substances. The previously mentioned CDC report went on to state that “rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids…which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 16% from 2018 to 2019.”
The Short- and Long- Term Health Effects of Fentanyl
Every addictive substance has potential long and short-term health effects. A single use can be enough to begin manifesting physical symptoms. The best way to stay safe and have the lowest health risk is by getting professional help for your disorder. According to NIDA, fentanyl in all of its forms can cause short-term health effects, such as extreme exhaustion and unconsciousness, nausea, constipation, difficulty focusing and breathing difficulties.
Long-term effects may include nausea, stomach pain, gas, heartburn, exhaustion, appetite changes and weight loss, changes to sleep like strange or vivid dreams, increased urination and much more.