Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate pain reliever that is prescribed with those who suffer severe pain or injury after they have surgery. Like all drugs, fentanyl can be abused too in that many experience a state of euphoria and feel relaxed after. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, more than 1,000 died in the U.S. from fentanyl from 2005-2007. Those under the influence of fentanyl need to seek treatment to prevent the chances of contributing to this statistic.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetics Journal, nurses and anesthesiologists have a higher probability of being under the influence of this opiate as they have easier access. Sometimes, people mix cocaine or heroin with fentanyl to achieve bigger effects. Fentanyl can come in many forms such as lollipops, patches, pills that dissolve in the cheek, and dissolvable tongue film. This drug is considered to be more powerful than heroin and a hundred times more powerful than morphine. People can take fentanyl for a number of reasons whether that person is in a lot of pain that they feel they cannot function without it, surrounded by family members who currently take the drug, or use the drug as an escape from the stress they are facing.
The physical effects of fentanyl include a weakened immune system, severe gastrointestinal problems, seizures, and difficulty breathing. There are mental problems such as social withdrawal, paranoia, no motivation, delusions, and personality changes. When you combine fentanyl with other drugs, this can cause respiratory distress, coma, or death. You know that you are addicted to fentanyl when you turn to illegal methods in prescribing the drug. When developing a tolerance towards fentanyl, you start feeling normal which makes you want to take more of the drug.
The withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl can be severe as your entire body can be in pain. You can experience general weakness, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, tremors, and stomach pain. It is important to join a detox program where you will be helped by a medical professional with fentanyl addict experience instead of trying to detox on your own. It can take 17 hours for the fentanyl in your bloodstream to decrease by half. Seek treatment in programs equipped to handle fentanyl before it takes over your life such as 12 Step programs like Narcotics Anonymous, in patient rehab and outpatient rehab, and Self Management Recovery Training.
Smarmore Castle Private Clinic in County Louth, near Dublin was founded in 1988 as a residential rehabilitation hospital treating people suffering from drug and alcohol purposes. Smarmore Castle believes in helping patients lead a life of abstinence through 12 Step programs, detox and medical treatment, psychotherapy, and complementary therapies. For more information, please call 041-214-5111. For those who live out of the country, the international number is 00353-41-214-5111.
