People can develop an addiction to many drugs that provide pain relief. However, one of the most powerful substances in this category is fentanyl. In fact, many people want to know what is fentanyl. It’s important to spread awareness about this drug so that they understand how dangerous it is to abuse it.
What Is Fentanyl?
First of all, fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. It’s a Schedule II prescription drug because it has some medical use. In fact, doctors typically prescribe it to people who need extreme pain management. For example, a doctor might administer it after surgery.
Other times, doctors prescribe the drug to people who have high opioid tolerance because it’s so strong. However, they don’t usually prescribe it the first time that they need pain relief. It’s a drug that they have to build up to.
How Powerful Is Fentanyl?
With a little more knowledge about what is fentanyl, how strong is this drug? Experts estimate that it’s about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Heroin, which is an illegal substance, is about three times more potent than morphine. With this comparison, the drug is several times more potent than heroin. These facts make it easier for people to understand why fentanyl addiction is common among those who use it.
How Do People Use Fentanyl?
Learning how people use fentanyl is part of addiction education. This information can make it easier for them to spot the signs of abuse. Then, they can help others get the treatment that they need.
In terms of fentanyl, most people take the drug via injections. However, they can also use a patch. Of course, those are the legal ways to take prescription fentanyl.
The non-prescription drug that people buy on the black market typically comes in powder form. People snort, inject or swallow the powder to get high.
Fentanyl is dangerous enough in its prescription form. However, buying an illegal substance is even more dangerous because people never know how much of the substance is fentanyl. Sometimes dealers cut the drug with other chemicals or substances. Because of that, it’s easy for users to overdose.
Why Seek Treatment?
It’s important to get people who abuse fentanyl into Boise addiction treatment programs right away. The longer that they use the drug, the more likely that they are to overdose on it. Also, using the drug increases their risk of having strokes or seizures.
Count on Us to Help You
Do you struggle with drug abuse or simply want to know more about what is fentanyl? If so, consider Zelus Recovery for education and treatment. We provide help to young adults and teens who struggle with a number of drugs. A few of the programs that we offer include:
- Early intervention for adolescents
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Group and individual therapy
- Outpatient treatment
- Family counseling
Find out more about what is fentanyl. Don’t let this drug mess up the life of a teen or young adult. Reach out to us today at 208.518.0797 to get help.
