Fentanyl is a synthetic, man-made opioid that is typically used to treat severe pain, and it is around 50-100 times more potent than morphine. This makes Fentanyl one of the strongest opioids available. It is prescribed in either patch, tablets, or an intravenous solution. The majority of fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths are related to illegally made fentanyl made on black markets or streets. It is so sought after because the high is almost identical to heroin but requires a lot less to get high, making it that much more dangerous.
How Fentanyl Works to Get You Addicted
Fentanyl works in the body by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and creating a euphoric, intoxicating, sluggish, and numbing high. Fentanyl is so addictive because the body and the brain will quickly build up a tolerance to it, causing the user to achieve the same high continuously. Opioids like Fentanyl are extremely addictive, and this issue is quickly becoming an epidemic in the United States. According to the Department of Health and Human Services:
More than 760,000 people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose. Two out of three drug overdose deaths in 2018 involved an opioid.
In 2019 alone, around 10 million people at the ages of 12 or older reported having misused opioids in the last year alone. This number has only increased every year, and it does not seem to be slowing down despite attempts to increase awareness, a crackdown on drug use, and increase treatment options for those abusing. 
How to Tell Someone is High on Fentanyl?
Someone high in Fentanyl and abusing this drug will become incredibly preoccupied with getting high and not much else. This will cause the user to pull away from family and friends and possibly make friends with questionable people or completely isolate themselves. Their schoolwork or job performance will likely decline, and they may even lose their job or quit school as a result.
Signs Someone is Using Fentanyl
One of the most noticeable symptoms that someone is high on fentanyl and abusing it is withdrawal symptoms. This happened when someone addicted to Fentanyl suddenly stops taking it or does not take a large enough dose. The symptoms are very noticeable and indicative that someone is high and has a problem with Fentanyl abuse and that their body has become dependent on the drug. Some symptoms of Fentanyl withdrawal include chills, irritability, cold sweats, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, and overall flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms Caused By Fentanyl Abuse
Picking out whether someone is high on Fentanyl is not hard to notice if you know what to look for. There are many red flags involved, and it is pretty difficult to hide abuse of this drug. The key signs and symptoms of fentanyl use include:
- Weakness and trouble moving and walking
- Fainting
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Itchiness or persistent scratching
- Pinpoint pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Runny nose
- Possible track marks or bruising
- Nodding off
Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction
If you or someone you love has been struggling with heroin addiction, please feel free to give us a call today. We will discuss treatment options and do our best to point you in the right direction. Now is the time to turn your life around. Let us help you do it. Our team of qualified professionals is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Addiction can lead to pain and misery, so it is time to put it behind you and start rebuilding your life. Time to live a happier and healthier lifestyle free of addiction.
