When it comes to addiction, understanding the signs and symptoms is a crucial part of early intervention and support. Fentanyl is an especially powerful opioid, and because it’s responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths, it’s become a major concern in the fight against substance abuse.

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction, also known as an opioid use disorder or fentanyl use disorder, can be challenging because they overlap with other opioid dependence. Being aware of the indicators can make a difference in helping someone seek addiction treatment.

Understanding the Impact of Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid, fentanyl, was originally made for medical use to manage severe pain. It’s up to 100 times stronger than morphine and around 50 times more powerful than heroin.[1]

Fentanyl is made both legally and illegally. Fentanyl for medical use is produced under strictly regulated conditions to ensure purity and careful control of dosages. Illicit fentanyl, however, is often mixed with other substances and is made in overseas labs. It’s not predictable in terms of potency or content. It is often mixed with counterfeit pills, heroin and cocaine.

Illegally produced fentanyl means varying strengths, with a significant risk of overdose.

Even a tiny amount can be lethal, and since fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs without the user knowing, it’s somewhat common to consume a fatal dose without realizing it. The effects on the body take hold quickly and lead to respiratory depression. If someone isn’t treated immediately with naloxone, an opioid antidote, it can cause death in minutes.

Fentanyl has become a main culprit in the opioid epidemic in the United States because it’s widely available and offers dealers a high profit margin.[2]

Prescription opioid regulations have tightened over the years, and users have turned to illicit sources as a result.

The combination of potency, ease of production and the ability for it to be hidden in other substances has made fentanyl one of the primary contributors to the rising number of opioid overdoses.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction typically develops over time as someone becomes physically and psychologically dependent. The addiction path can vary but usually follows a progression from the initial use to dependence and, finally, full-blown addiction.

Early Stages of Fentanyl Addiction

In the early stages, the signs of fentanyl addiction can be subtle and overlooked easily. Sometimes, the addiction begins with legitimate use for pain management, but the body builds a tolerance over time and needs higher doses to get the same effects.

Early signs of fentanyl addiction can include, along with the increased tolerance:

• Preoccupation with fentanyl including thinking about it often, planning how to get more, or feeling anxious when supplies are low.
• Taking fentanyl outside of how it’s prescribed, such as more often or in larger doses.
• Minor physical withdrawal symptoms between doses, like mild anxiety, irritability or sweating.

Mid-Stage Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

As addiction progresses, signs tend to become more apparent and pronounced. There may be a deterioration in behavior and physical condition, which is when individuals start to lose control of their use.

Common mid-stage signs can include:

• More noticeable withdrawal symptoms between uses include nausea, vomiting, body aches, agitation, insomnia or chills.[3]
• Behavioral changes like isolation from friends or family, loss of interest in activities, or neglecting responsibilities.
• Continued use of fentanyl despite a recognition of the harm it causes to health, relationships or other life circumstances.
• Financial or legal issues.
• Noticeable changes in appearance, such as weight loss, poor hygiene, or generally unkempt appearance.

Late-Stage Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

In the later stages of fentanyl addiction, a person’s entire life is consumed by needing to get and use the drug. There are severe physical and mental effects, and the risk of overdose is high. Symptoms that may happen at this stage include:[4]

• Severe withdrawal symptoms can be intense and even debilitating. At this point, withdrawal symptoms usually require medical intervention for safe management.
• An individual may experience a complete loss of control over their fentanyl use with overwhelming cravings and compulsive drug use.
• Chronic fentanyl use can lead to serious health problems, including a weakened immune system, respiratory issues, severe weight loss and a higher risk of infections.
• By this stage, a person will likely experience social isolation, having cut ties with friends and family.
• Because of the potency of fentanyl and the increased tolerance someone develops at this time, the risk of overdose is extremely high.

Key Differences in the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

While fentanyl addiction symptoms overlap with other opioid addictions, certain aspects can be unique to this drug.

These include:

• Dependence on fentanyl can develop more quickly than with other opioids or substances. Dependence can form even after short-term use, leading to more immediate withdrawal symptoms when the drug isn’t being used.
• Withdrawal symptoms associated with fentanyl are more severe and can appear more quickly between doses because of the shorter duration of action. The symptoms can be more intense than they are with other opioids.
• Even a small miscalculation in dose can lead to an overdose, and the signs of an overdose can happen rapidly, including drowsiness, respiratory depression and loss of consciousness.
• Users may be more likely to show signs such as nodding off during activities.

Getting Treatment

If you recognize the signs of fentanyl addiction in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to take immediate action.

The first step is acknowledging a problem because denial creates a significant barrier to getting help. If you’re concerned about someone you love, gently but firmly let them know you’re worried without judgment.

Don’t try to detox alone because fentanyl withdrawal can be severe and dangerous. Instead, reach out to a treatment center like First Step Behavioral Health. We can help with withdrawal and then, depending on the severity of addiction, recommend a treatment program and level of care.

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction in yourself or a loved one is a major step to retake control of your life and reclaim your health. At First Step Behavioral Health, we understand the challenges of addiction and are here to help every step of the way.

References:

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Fentanyl
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Fentanyl
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
4. Yale Medicine: Opioid Use Disorder