How Addictive Is Fentanyl?

Published on March 18, 2019

Fentanyl is an incredibly addictive synthetic opioid. First used as an anesthetic, it is now a medication prescribed to treat severe or chronic pain. Brand names for fentanyl include Sublimaze, Actiq, and Duragesic.

Fentanyl comes in a number of different forms. These include patches, tablets, injectable liquid, and lozenges. Fentanyl is only available through a prescription and is highly regulated.

Despite this, fentanyl is still widely abused. On the street, fentanyl is called many things, including China Girl, China White, Apache, Goodfellas, and Friend. This drug is sold as a blotting powder, lollipop, powder, or other variation on the street.

Fentanyl is an incredibly potent substance. It’s up to 100 times stronger than morphine and nearly 40 to 50 times more potent than heroin. Using fentanyl illicitly can be dangerous, as even small amounts of this drug can cause an overdose.

What Makes Fentanyl So Addictive?

How fentanyl works in the brain is a primary factor in what makes this drug so addictive. Fentanyl works like other opioids by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces feelings of pain and can produce euphoria, relaxation, and calmness.

Fentanyl is stronger than morphine or heroin because it passes through the blood-brain barrier. This means that it reaches the brain much faster than substances that don’t pass through the blood-brain barrier. This also means that fentanyl’s effects are felt much quicker and more intensely, making this drug highly attractive for those looking for an opiate high.

This drug also directly affects the brain’s reward system. It can cause the release of dopamine into the brain, increasing feelings of pleasure. Because of fentanyl’s potency and impact on the reward system in the brain, people can quickly become addicted to this drug.

Becoming addicted to fentanyl can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly. If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, know that help is available.

Treatment For Fentanyl Addiction

Many people addicted to fentanyl have found great success with formal treatment options. This may include a detox program and inpatient treatment.

Inpatient treatment programs have proven to be instrumental in helping people overcome opioid addictions. These programs require patients to stay long-term at a treatment facility and undergo daily intensive treatment. Many inpatient programs offer customized plans of recovery.

To learn more about the addictive nature of fentanyl and treatment options for fentanyl addiction, contact us today.