Fentanyl Pain Killer Addiction: What It Is and Stopping It
Fentanyl, a powerful opiate that can be 50 times stronger than morphine, is prescribed only for individuals with long-term chronic pain, including some cancer patients. However, as a Schedule II drug, it is also extremely habit-forming and difficult to stop taking not only because of the psychological dependency that builds up but the physical dependency. Fentanyl is literally impossible to quit cold turkey because of the adverse reaction that would occur within the body of the individual taking it.
Fentanyl was originally created as an anesthetic in the 1950s but quickly transitioned to being used for pain relief in the 1970s – it was at this point that it also entered the underground drug market as an alternative to heroin. Fentanyl is usually found in two forms, the skin patch Duragesic, and Actiq, a solid stick of the chemical that is meant to dissolve in the mouth. Its primary effect on users is to act as a pain reliever and sedative, though it can also create moods of euphoria, adding to its potential for psychological addiction as well as misuse.
If you are a Fentanyl user, it should be fairly easy to spot signs of addiction to the drug. The important thing is to be honest with yourself and the people closest to you; addiction to such a powerful substance is a common thing, and there is nothing to be ashamed about as long as you face your problem openly and fight it with all resources available to you. If you feel the need to take more of the drug than your prescription allows or if the same amount of Fentanyl does not create the same physical effect, it may be a sign that you are developing a tolerance for the drug. This is one of the first signs of a potential dependency and should be treated seriously. Also, if you feel taking Fentanyl is a compulsion you could not quit even if you wanted to, or if you feel anxious about getting your prescription refilled before it runs out, this may be a sign that Fentanyl is beginning to become overly important in your life.
So what do you do if you discover the signs of addiction in yourself or someone you know? Developing a dependency to Fentanyl may be an inevitability if you are someone who has chronic pain, but if you no longer need Fentanyl for medical purposes it is important to stop taking it as soon as possible. Ignoring your addiction could lead to dire health consequences as you take higher doses of the drug, and has often led people to perform illegal activities, such as attempting to buy the drug on the street or obtaining illegal prescriptions from multiple physicians. Pay attention to the signs of dependency in yourself and consult with your doctor, a counselor, or a trusted friend immediately. You will need to develop an enforceable plan with someone you can count on in which you taper off Fentanyl gradually to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve had a history of drug addiction an inpatient treatment facility program may be the best way to get at the underlying reasons for abusing drugs. Most importantly, don’t lose faith in yourself: you can do it! With your own strength and the help of the people you love, there is always a way to win out over addiction.