When discussing fentanyl, it’s often the risk of overdose in the short term that is the focus because of its potency. However, the long-term effects of fentanyl use can be just as significant and damaging to an individual’s health. Chronic use can lead to severe physical and psychological health issues. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we offer comprehensive fentanyl addiction rehab aimed at addressing these complex challenges with expertise and compassion. Contact us today at 855.773.0614 to learn about our fentanyl addiction treatment program in North Carolina. We help young women heal from addiction so they can thrive.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller. To give you some context, it is far more potent than morphine and heroin combined. To date, it is the most potent opioid that you can get for relieving pain. Doctors typically prescribe fentanyl when morphine does not work.
When taken as prescribed, most medical professionals consider fentanyl to be safe. If you abuse fentanyl or combine it with alcohol and other drugs, then it can become fatal. When taking fentanyl, please adhere to your doctor’s orders rigidly and avoid taking it long-term.
Common Fentanyl Side Effects
Below is a list of some of the most common side effects of fentanyl
- Feeling anxious or having a panic attack
- Noticing swelling in your legs, feet, hands, arms, or face
- Sensations such as burning, itching, numbness, or tingling
- Disorientation or feeling confused about your situation or surroundings
- Difficulty breathing or shallow breaths
- Elevated heartbeat or blood pressure
You may also discover that you have gained a lot of weight quickly. Another side effect includes frequent stomach pain or nausea. While vomiting could indicate an immediate side effect, it could be that your system is adjusting to the medication.
Rare Side Effects
There are other rare side effects of fentanyl that you may want to watch out for, such as:
- Discoloration in your lips, skin, fingernails, or palms
- More severe skin problems such as itching, burning, redness, rashes, or swelling
- Hallucination or disorientation about time, place, and environment
- Feeling an unusually high level of euphoria
- Fainting, dizziness, or feeling light-headed for a long time
If any of these problems occur even once, you should seek immediate medical services. Failing to do so could have devastating consequences. While fentanyl does have some benefits, it is like any other drug. Therefore, you should be aware of the adverse side effects and take action when they occur.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
Fentanyl produces high levels of dopamine. This effect on the brain can reduce pain, induce a relaxed state, and decrease your perception of any physical discomfort or suffering. In essence, you are in a euphoric state when you take the drug. This feeling of euphoria and your attempt to avoid pain is what makes fentanyl highly addictive.
The more you take fentanyl, the more its effects will wear off. You may need to increase the dosage to keep feeling euphoria. This is how your brain forms a dependency on the drug. Symptoms of fentanyl addiction may include:
- You want to stop taking fentanyl or cut down on your use but are unable to do so.
- Your fentanyl use has led to physical or psychological issues.
- You get withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.
- You’ve withdrawn from social and professional activities in favor of using heroin.
- You use fentanyl in increasingly dangerous or risky situations.
Eventually, you will come to a point where you can’t function or get through the day without it. At this point, you may want to consider getting into a prescription drug addiction treatment program.
Long-Term Side Effects of Fentanyl Use
While the immediate dangers of fentanyl use are well known, it’s important to also consider the potential long-term effects on an individual’s health. Chronic use of fentanyl can lead to a range of physical and psychological issues that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
Physical Health Effects
Prolonged use of fentanyl can have severe impacts on an individual’s physical health. Some of the most common long-term side effects include:
- Damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys
- Respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing and decreased lung function
- Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and stomach pain
- Weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses
- Fentanyl weight gain, which can lead to obesity and related health complications
Moreover, the risk of overdose and death remains high even with chronic use, as individuals may develop a tolerance to the drug and require larger doses to achieve the desired effects.
Psychological Health Effects
In addition to physical health complications, fentanyl use can also have significant impacts on an individual’s mental well-being. Some possible long-term psychological effects include:
- Development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
- Cognitive impairment, including memory loss and difficulty with decision-making
- Increased risk of developing a substance use disorder or addiction
- Relationship problems and social isolation due to drug use
These psychological effects can be especially challenging for individuals to cope with, as they may also struggle with the stigma surrounding drug addiction.
Seek Treatment at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we are committed to providing the best possible treatment for our clients. With the help of our opioid addiction treatment program, we can provide support for women struggling with addiction to fentanyl and other opioids. We provide a combination of holistic and evidence-based treatment options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
We treat the whole woman, not just their symptoms.
Call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® to Heal From Fentanyl Addiction
If you are addicted to fentanyl, then you can get help for your drug dependency. Fentanyl side effects can be harmful and dangerous, but there is hope at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®. To find out more about treatment for fentanyl addiction, contact us online or call 855.773.0614 today. We help women struggling with fentanyl get their lives back on track. One call could save a life, possibly your own.
