Comprehensive Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Florida for Safe Recovery

Pharmaceutical fentanyl (brand name Duragesic) is a synthetic opioid originally developed for pain relief and is still prescribed by physicians today for the treatment of severe pain, such as advanced cancer pain, and is available as patches, lozenges, and injections.[1] Pharmaceutical fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.[2]Most of the fentanyl currently causing overdoses in the United States is illicitly manufactured and distributed through the black market. Pharmaceutical fentanyl has legitimate medical uses when administered or prescribed under medical supervision, but it requires careful monitoring because of opioid-related risks. Recently, however, illicitly made fentanyl has invaded the illegal drug market and is commonly mixed into other illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine, or pressed into counterfeit prescription medications.[3]

Fentanyl has a variety of street names. These names vary and include China White, Apache, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, and Tango & Cash. No matter what it is called, it poses a significant threat due to its potency and risk of overdose. 

Fentanyl works by binding to the opioid receptors located throughout the central nervous system to produce feelings of relaxation and pleasure by stimulating the release of dopamine.[4] Chronic use of fentanyl leads to the development of dependency, and the user experiences withdrawal when they attempt to discontinue use.

The reason fentanyl is deadly lies in its potency. Fentanyl is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.[5] The margin between an acceptable dose of fentanyl and a dose which results in respiratory failure and subsequent death is very small.

A lethal dose of fentanyl can range from two milligrams to ten milligrams, depending on several variables such as body weight and tolerance to the drug. Because fentanyl is often cut into other drugs or pressed into counterfeit prescription medications without the knowledge of users, a person may unknowingly ingest a lethal dose of fentanyl. This is a major contributing factor to the high number of overdose deaths it causes.

Illegally manufactured fentanyl remains a major driver of U.S. overdose deaths. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that nearly 7 in 10 U.S. overdose deaths in 2023 involved illegally manufactured fentanyl.[6]

Fentanyl abuse is defined as the misuse of fentanyl, such as when the drug is taken in a manner not intended by a physician. Abuse includes ingesting illicitly manufactured fentanyl regardless of form. Fentanyl addiction is characterized by a loss of control over drug use despite negative consequences.[7] Due to its rapid onset of action and its potency, fentanyl is highly addictive. Individuals may develop an addiction to fentanyl after exposure to it either through another drug or after previously abusing prescription opioids or heroin.[8]

Another potential danger of fentanyl is tolerance. Tolerance develops rapidly with chronic fentanyl use, driving users to use the drug more frequently or in greater quantities to achieve the same effect as before. Greater tolerance leads to increased drug-seeking behavior. This increases the likelihood of overdose due to reduced margins for error. 

Those with histories of substance abuse disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, or family histories of substance abuse disorders may be at greater risk of developing an addiction. Identifying the signs of fentanyl abuse early on can lead to seeking assistance earlier and potentially save lives.

Identifying signs of fentanyl abuse sooner allows for earlier intervention in treating addiction, and identifying signs of overdose may save a person’s life.[9] Some common indicators of fentanyl abuse include:

• Drowsiness or nodding off
• Constricted or pinpoint pupils
• Slurred speech or confused thinking
• Nausea or constipation
• Slow or ceased breathing
• Disconnection from friends and family, social isolation, or disinterest in activities

Signs of a fentanyl overdose represent an immediate medical emergency and include:

• Slow or stopped breathing[10]
• A bluish tint to the lips or skin
• Unconsciousness, or limpness

A fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect that you or someone around you has overdosed on fentanyl, immediately dial 911 and administer naloxone if available. Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose; however, multiple administrations may be required when reversing an overdose involving fentanyl due to its potency.[11]

This situation can be one of the most difficult scenarios that families encounter. Demonstrating empathy, sharing specific observations, and avoiding judgment can facilitate opening doors for concerned family and loved ones.

You do not need to navigate this process alone; our team would be happy to communicate with you regarding supportive steps and options for encouraging your loved one toward receiving care.

Most people cannot simply “will” themselves to overcome their addiction to fentanyl. The best approaches to addressing addiction treat both the physical dependence on the substance and the underlying psychological motivations for continuing to use it. Agape Detox Center takes this holistic approach seriously by providing caring professionals who collaborate with clients to create individually tailored programs that meet client-specific challenges and goals.