Short & Long-Term Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and even when used as prescribed, it can have significant short-term effects on the body. These effects are often magnified when the drug is misused, whether taken in larger doses, used without a prescription, or combined with other substances. Illicit fentanyl or misuse of a prescription increases the risk of severe reactions, making fentanyl particularly dangerous. Understanding the immediate effects of fentanyl is crucial, as these symptoms can escalate quickly and may lead to life-threatening conditions.

Some of the short-term effects of fentanyl use include:1,2,3

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Euphoria
• Dizziness
• Respiratory depression
• Unconsciousness
• Pupillary constriction
• Sweating
• Dry mouth

When fentanyl is misused over an extended period, the risks and health effects extend far beyond the immediate symptoms. Chronic use of fentanyl not only leads to physical dependence and addiction but also triggers a cascade of serious health issues that can be life-altering. The long-term effects of fentanyl are particularly concerning because they impact both the mind and body, increasing vulnerability to a host of complications that may persist even after the drug is discontinued.

Some of the long-term effects of fentanyl addiction include:4

• Physical dependence
• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic constipation
• Hormonal imbalances
• Decreased libido
• Respiratory depression
• Cognitive and neurophysiologic effects
• Tooth decay (from dry mouth)

These long-term effects stress the importance of addressing fentanyl addiction early to prevent the severe and lasting consequences it can cause.

The danger of fentanyl-laced drugs is a growing concern, particularly within the realm of illicit drug use. Illicit fentanyl, due to its potency and low production cost, is increasingly being mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills.2 This practice is particularly hazardous because even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be lethal, and users often have no way of knowing that their drugs have been laced. The result is an elevated risk of accidental overdose and death, which has contributed to the sharp rise in opioid-related fatalities in recent years.

The different methods of drug use compound the risks associated with fentanyl-laced drugs. For instance, when fentanyl-laced heroin is smoked, snorted, or injected, the rapid onset of effects can lead to respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and death before the user has a chance to seek help. Each method of use carries its own risks. Injecting fentanyl-laced substances can cause immediate overdose symptoms and increase the chance of infections or other complications related to needle use. Snorting or smoking laced drugs can lead to severe lung damage and other respiratory issues.5,6

Moreover, the illicit drug market often lacks quality control, meaning that the amount of fentanyl in a batch can vary widely, making it impossible to predict how much of the substance is being ingested. This unpredictability significantly heightens the danger, as even a user with a high tolerance to other opioids may not withstand the effects of fentanyl. It is this uncertainty and the drug’s potency that make fentanyl-laced substances so perilous.

For individuals struggling with heroin addiction, the added threat of fentanyl contamination makes it even more urgent to seek professional help. Treatment programs, such as those offered by the Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, can provide the necessary support to navigate withdrawal safely and begin the journey toward recovery.

Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms

A fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as it can rapidly lead to life-threatening conditions. Overdoses often occur when fentanyl is used in combination with other substances, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other opioid drugs, which can enhance its sedative effects and increase the likelihood of respiratory depression and death. Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can be the difference between life and death, making it crucial for anyone at risk or who knows someone at risk to be aware of the symptoms.

Common signs of a fentanyl overdose include:2,7

• Severe drowsiness or inability to stay awake
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
• Vomiting
• Slow pulse (or none at all) 

If you suspect someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately. The combination of fentanyl with other drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of overdose and can complicate the symptoms, making it even more challenging to reverse without professional intervention. Immediate action is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.

At Empowered Recovery Center, we are here to help you begin your recovery and overcome fentanyl addiction. Our admissions process is simple and designed to help you or your loved one transition smoothly into a treatment program tailored to your needs. From the moment you reach out, our rehab admissions team is committed to providing personalized care, answering your questions, and guiding you through the process with empathy and understanding. We offer various addiction treatment programs that are adaptable to your needs, ensuring that you receive the personalized treatment needed to achieve lasting recovery. Whether you’re interested in partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, or standard outpatient, we have a range of options designed to meet the diverse needs of our patients.

Our Atlanta rehab center accepts major insurance plans, including Anthem BCBS and Tricare, to help make treatment accessible to those who need it. We also provide flexible payment options to accommodate different financial situations. From paying for rehab to insurance coverage and verifying your benefits, our admissions team can help you each step of the way.

Call us today or fill out our contact form to begin the journey toward a healthier, drug-free life.

References

1. Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Fentanyl. DEA. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Fentanyl drug facts. NIDA. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2005). Fentanyl: Label information. FDA. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/19813s039lbl.pdf
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2012). The opioid crisis: Fentanyl overdose trends. PMC. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3466038/
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). What are the medical complications of chronic heroin use? NIDA. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-medical-complications-chronic-heroin-use
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Heroin addiction: Insights from neuroimaging. PMC. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7078587/
7. Harm Reduction Coalition. (n.d.). Recognizing opioid overdose. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://harmreduction.org/issues/overdose-prevention/overview/overdose-basics/recognizing-opioid-overdose/
8. Somerville, N. J., O’Donnell, J., Gladden, R. M., Zibbell, J. E., Green, T. C., Younkin, M., Ruiz, S., Men, E., & Paulozzi, L. J. (2017). Characteristics of fentanyl overdose — Massachusetts, 2014–2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66(14), 382-386. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6614a2.htm  
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Fentanyl facts. CDC. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/fentanyl-facts.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html