How to Overcome Opioid Addiction: Understanding Fentanyl and Carfentanil

In understanding how to overcome opioid addiction, it’s important to know exactly what you’re working with in terms of the drugs involved. In this article, we’ll discuss the facts and figures behind fentanyl and carfentanil—two of the most harmful synthetic drugs fueling the country’s opioid epidemic—as well as the signs that someone may be addicted.

First, a few quick facts. Fentanyl and carfentanil are both extremely powerful and addictive opioid narcotics. Both are deadly on their own, and particularly deadly when mixed with heroin. The difference between fentanyl and carfentanil comes down to potency. Fentanyl is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine; carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

Across the U.S., increases in synthetic opioid overdoses and deaths have been attributed in large part to these two drugs. So what is fentanyl used for typically? Fentanyl is traditionally a pain reliever, while carfentanil is a tranquilizer typically used for elephants and other large mammals. And both are incredibly dangerous—and incredibly addictive. An amount of carfentanil the size of a poppy seed can prove fatal to a human, and even coming into contact with it as a first responder can result in breathing troubles and heart failure.

Early warnings about fentanyl and carfentanil were largely ignored by lawmakers, who were more focused on passing sweeping criminal justice reform bills than addressing specific drugs. Hospital-based treatment has been slow to catch on too, treating patients with traditional drug detox techniques instead of the evidence-based medications that are often necessary to get a person off of these types of opioids. And as we know, the result has been catastrophic.

Opioid Addiction Signs

The sooner fentanyl or carfentanil usage is identified the better, which is why it’s important to be able to recognize opioid addiction signs. They include:

  • Mood changes
  • Frequent flu-like symptoms
  • Uncontrollable cravings
  • Sweating
  • Increased energy and restlessness
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Nervousness and irritability
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Changes in appetite
  • Inability to maintain responsibilities, such as jobs or school

Both, the effects of fentanyl and the effects of carfentanil are very rapid. And for many individuals, it only takes one or two uses to become entrenched in addiction. Keep in mind the signs above, and if you suspect opioid use, act right away as both of these drugs can prove fatal from the first use.

Spreading Awareness

Widespread awareness of the dangers of these drugs is a first step in curbing usage, especially when the laws haven’t met current needs. Spread the word among your loved ones about the dangers of fentanyl and carfentanil, including the CDC’s message that “it only takes a little to lose a lot.”

Another important step is knowing proper opioid use techniques. If prescribed an opioid medication, talk to your doctor about alternative pain management protocols and, if you must take them, discuss a plan for getting off of the drugs following your rehabilitation period.

Tackling the Opioid Epidemic

In 2016, 115 Americans died every single day from opioids, and that number is rising. Even as we learn more about the dangers of fentanyl and carfentanil, the rapid progression from opioid use to opioid addiction makes it a tough fight to win.

If you or someone you love needs support to overcome an opioid addiction, help is always available. Reach out today to learn about the opioid rehabilitation services available at Retreat Premier, or get in touch with a local physician and mental health provider immediately. Opioid addiction can be overcome—it all starts with a call.