Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It is in the same family of drugs as codeine, oxycontin, and morphine. However, fentanyl is much more potent than those drugs. It does have limited medical use as a prescription painkiller. Yet it can be risky to use even in a clinical setting because of its incredibly addictive nature.
Fentanyl comes in many different forms, such as a patch, lozenge form, or tablets. Overdose from fentanyl is a major concern as it is 100 times more powerful than morphine. Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction in your loved one could be critical to getting them help or even saving their life.
Find out more about Midwest Detox Center’s fentanyl addiction treatment program by calling 833.647.0392.
What are the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction?
Supporting your loved one who is taking fentanyl means taking the time to learn the signs of fentanyl addiction. It’s worth being wary even if your loved one is taking fentanyl purely as prescribed. Taking this drug always involves some risk of developing physical dependence or addiction.
The symptoms of fentanyl use are many. That’s true even if it is taken as prescribed. However, when abused, the symptoms of fentanyl can be severe, if not life-threatening. Common symptoms of fentanyl use include:
- Tight chest, chest pain, or labored breathing
- Mood swings, potentially even manifesting as outright anxiety or depression
- Dizziness and confusion
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
Those are simply the physical signs of fentanyl use. They may be present alongside an addiction, or they may not. Either way, as a loved one, it can be hard to recognize the symptoms of fentanyl addiction since you are not the one experiencing them. Most of those symptoms are easily disguised. Even fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may not be entirely apparent.
It’s worth paying attention to see if you notice patterns or recurring symptoms in your loved one. But the symptoms of fentanyl use are just one category of signs to watch for. The other category is related to behavior.
Behavioral Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Watching out for the behavioral signs of fentanyl addiction is where you can best support your loved one. Odds are they know their behavior is problematic and only serves to deepen their addiction. Likely they feel helpless to end their addiction.
Common behavior changes related to fentanyl addiction include social withdrawal, visible mood swings, extreme lethargy, and a newfound willingness to engage in risky behavior. Another sign of fentanyl addiction is when people cease to care for their appearance, hygiene, or even basic needs. Health and wellness become neglected.
Your loved one will not function as their normal self if they have become addicted to fentanyl. As someone who knows them best, pay attention to their habits, how they spend their time, or whether or not their social circles have changed. Maybe they have stopped enjoying their favorite hobbies or have gotten so lethargic they are shirking work duties or failing to uphold their everyday responsibilities.
Chances are, their addiction will begin to determine their behavior. They may shape their days around acquiring and using fentanyl at the expense of all else. The sooner you can intervene by connecting them to help, the better.
Treating a Fentanyl Addiction at Midwest Detox Center
The best thing for your loved one struggling with a fentanyl addiction is to get them help through a specialized treatment provider like Midwest Detox Center. Addiction treatment centers understand the symptoms of fentanyl addiction and provide a safe, stable environment to detox. Going through detox from fentanyl can be an uncomfortable process due to withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl addiction. Let the support and care at Midwest Detox Center lay the groundwork for a successful recovery for your loved one.
Your role as a source of support is not done once you recognize the signs of fentanyl addiction. But you are not meant to solve your loved one’s addiction on your own. Midwest Detox Center’s evidence-based therapies, resources, and top-notch amenities are ready to support you and your loved one.
Contact us at 833.647.0392 to learn more about Midwest Detox Center’s fentanyl addiction treatment program.
