Fentanyl Addiction: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Side Effects, and Treatment

Symptoms of fentanyl addiction include mood swings, weight changes, vomiting, altered nail and skin color, shallow breathing, drowsiness, anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

Causes of fentanyl addiction arise from biological, social, and psychological factors, including environmental influences, genetics, mental health disorders, chronic pain, trauma, stress, drug misuse, and the availability of illicit fentanyl.

Side effects of fentanyl addiction include constipation, drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, chest or back pain, swelling, hallucinations, rashes, and itching. Long-term effects involve menstrual and sexual problems, reduced libido, breathing issues, and mood instability.

Treatment options for fentanyl addiction include detoxification, support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aftercare, relapse prevention, and motivational interviewing. Medication-assisted treatments include buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone.

What Is Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl addiction is an opioid use disorder characterized by prolonged misuse despite knowing its negative consequences. Fentanyl, 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is used for severe pain relief but leads to addiction and even death. From 2012 to 2014, fentanyl overdose deaths increased from 2628 to 5544, according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Fentanyl addiction rates are highest among adults aged 25 to 44 in the US. Native Americans and African Americans experience higher rates of both addiction and related deaths, as reported by CNN Health.

Fentanyl addiction falls under "Opioid Use Disorder" (OUD), characterized by severe impairments from misusing opioids, as defined by the DSM-5.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, 50–100 times more potent than morphine, used as a painkiller. You receive it as a patch, shot, or lozenge for immediate pain relief after surgery or for chronic pain in cancer patients. Forms include tablets, patches, nasal sprays, lozenges, and sublingual sprays. Fentanyl is highly addictive, and misuse leads to death. In 2013, illicit fentanyl contributed to 5,000 deaths in San Francisco.

Why Is Fentanyl Addictive?

Fentanyl is addictive due to its intense euphoria and rapid effects. Its potency releases large amounts of dopamine, encouraging repeated use. Accidental overdoses are fatal within minutes, causing severe respiratory issues, heart problems, and unconsciousness. Fentanyl is often mixed with illicit drugs like Xanax and heroin, increasing addiction risk.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction are nausea, doctor shopping, increased tolerance, drowsiness, mood swings, anxiety and depression, irritability, overdose symptoms, and withdrawal symptoms. 

The common signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction are listed below:

• Drowsiness: Fentanyl depresses the central nervous system, causing sedation and drowsiness, which slows your ability to perform daily tasks.

• Nausea: Fentanyl affects the digestive and nervous systems, leading to nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, worsening at higher doses or with long-term use.

• Doctor Shopping: Individuals consult with multiple doctors for more prescriptions, indicating drug dependency. This illegal practice aims to obtain additional fentanyl due to addiction.

• Withdrawal from Social Activities: Fentanyl addiction leads to isolation from family and friends, neglecting previously enjoyed activities as drug dependency becomes the top priority.

• Increased Tolerance: Continuous fentanyl use develops tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve desired effects, increasing the risk of overdose and death.

• Mood Swings: Fentanyl affects dopamine neuroreceptors, causing extreme mood swings. The transition from euphoria to irritability as drug levels drop disrupts personal relationships and daily routines.

• Anxiety or Depression: Fentanyl addiction negatively impacts brain activity, leading to anxiety and depression as drug consumption increases and brain function slows.

• Irritability: Withdrawal from fentanyl causes irritability, making you upset more easily due to changes in mood and brain function, along with cravings and discomfort.

• Overdose Symptoms: Symptoms of overdose include respiratory depression, extreme sedation, loss of consciousness, and pinpoint pupils, which leads to death if breathing stops.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Reducing or stopping fentanyl use triggers withdrawal symptoms like sweating, muscle pain, and intense cravings, indicating physical dependency.

What Are The Causes Of Fentanyl Addiction?

The causes of fentanyl addiction are prescription drug misuse, availability of illicit fentanyl, genetic factors, and mental health disorders.

The 4 causes of fentanyl addiction are listed below:

• Prescription Drug Misuse: Fentanyl is more powerful than morphine and is prescribed by doctors for severe pain relief during surgeries and also prescribed to cancer patients with chronic pain. Fentanyl's quick-acting nature increases the likelihood of misuse, leading to addiction. Without doctors' advice, patients begin using fentanyl to suppress pain, which in turn leads to fentanyl and other opioid addictions. Since 2014, prescription fentanyl drug misuse has drastically caused an increase in death rates of more than 10,000, according to research titled “Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and Figures,” published in 2024 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

• Availability of illicit fentanyl: Availability of illicit fentanyl plays a crucial role in addiction and increases the risk of dependency. Fentanyl is illegally found in other painkillers like Xanax and Oxycodone and powders like cocaine and heroin. Sometimes, people are unaware of the presence of fentanyl in these pills, leading them to develop a fentanyl addiction. The availability of illicit fentanyl increases nowadays, which makes it easy for addicts to consume it.

• Genetic Factors: Individuals with an addiction history are more vulnerable to opioid drugs as compared to others. Individuals may inherit genes from their parents that negatively impact their brain functioning, specifically the DRD2 gene, which controls the dopamine neurotransmitters. The genetic change in dopamine increases the risk of substance use disorders. The genetic factors cause addiction in 40–60% of the population, according to an article titled “Understanding the genetics and neurobiological pathways behind addiction (Review),” published in 2021 by Spandidos Publications.

• Mental Health Disorder: Anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are the mental disorders associated with fentanyl and other opioid addictions. Individuals with these health problems are more likely to become addicted to fentanyl because of its nature of relieving pain and giving pleasure. Individuals with anxiety and depression may feel relieved initially, but with long-term use, it causes dependency.

What Are The Dangerous Effects Of Xanax Addiction?

The dangerous effects of Xanax addiction are cognitive impairment, social isolation, financial and legal problems, coma or death, respiratory arrest, and overdose potential.

These 6 dangerous effects of Xanax addiction are listed below:

• Cognitive impairment: Xanax addiction affects the brain area associated with learning, attention, and memory. It also causes social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and difficulty in decision-making. Long-term misuse of Xanax affects verbal memories, divided attention, recent memory, and processing speed, even after discontinuation of it, according to research titled “The Residual Medium and Long-term Cognitive Effects of Benzodiazepine Use: An Updated Meta-analysis,” published in 2017 by Oxford Academics.

• Social Isolation: Xanax addiction affects the personality and relationships of an individual, and a person detaches themselves from social activities. An individual faces difficulties in communication, low self-esteem, and avoiding family and friends. Social isolation encourages the person to use drugs repeatedly because of loneliness and depression, according to research titled “Isolation, Solitude, and Social Distancing for People Who Use Drugs: An Ethnographic Perspective,” published in 2021 by ResearchGate.

• Financial and Legal Problems: Drug addiction is caused by prescription and illicit supplies that cost lots of money, which leads to financial problems. Drug consumption causes the person to feel uneasy and sick, which in turn leads to unemployment. Illicit Xanax is difficult to get, and the person may end up involved in other illegal activities.

• Overdose Potential: Xanax is taken in combination with other opioids, which increases the risk of Xanax overdose. This combination can lead to confusion, sedation, and respiratory problems. In 2023, the number of fentanyl overdoses that cause death increased up to 390 million, according to research titled “DEA Fentanyl Seizures in 2024,” published by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. 

• Respiratory Arrest: Xanax addiction slows down breathing, which leads to respiratory arrest. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is affected by the continuous use of drugs, which ends up with life-threatening respiratory failures. 

• Coma or Death: Individuals with substance abuse end up taking high doses of Xanax and other opioids, which leads to death. Xanax addiction causes the complete shutdown of the central nervous system, and the person may go into a coma. In 2018, 5.2% of the US population died because of Xanax overdose, according to research titled “Benzodiazepines and risk of all-cause mortality in adults: cohort study,” published in 2017 by The BMJ.

How to Diagnose Fentanyl Addiction?

Fentanyl addiction is diagnosed through clinical evaluation, behavioral observation, the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT), mental or social assessment, blood tests, and urine tests. Healthcare providers use the 11 criteria of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the DSM-5 to categorize the addiction as severe, mild, or moderate. They observe behavioral changes and use screening tests like the ORT and Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) to confirm addiction severity. Blood and urine tests identify the amount of fentanyl in the body, aiding in accurate diagnosis.

What Are The Treatment Options For Fentanyl Addiction?

The treatment options for fentanyl addiction include medical detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), support groups, inpatient treatment, and 12-step programs.

The 6 treatment options for fentanyl addiction are listed below:

• Medical Detoxification: Medical Detoxification controls the severe withdrawal symptoms by removing the fentanyl from the body. It helps reduce the discomfort and encourages the patient to continue the treatment. The recovery occurs in 5 -10 days, depending on the severity of the addiction. Medical detoxification itself is not that effective for opioid misuse patients; without proper treatment, the person ends up with addiction again.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps individuals overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns. It is more effective than other therapies, and the relapse rate is low.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medication-assisted treatment combines medicine like naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine with behavioral therapy to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It assures long-term recovery with a low risk of relapse. It takes approximately 6 -12 months to recover properly. The side effect of MAT is that it is a time-consuming procedure, so individuals might drop out of the sessions in between.

• Support Group: In support group therapy, you share experiences publicly, which helps you feel relaxed and increases peer support. Recovery time varies, taking months or years, and a primary drawback is the challenge of regular participation in sessions.

• Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 medical and therapeutic support, with a recovery time of 30-90 days. A change in environment positively impacts mental health and reduces addiction rates, but the high cost of rehab facilities is a downside.

• 12-Step Programs: The 12-step program promotes spirituality, positivity, and accountability in recovery. It boosts self-esteem, fosters personal growth, and involves peer group therapies. This is a long-term treatment with no fixed recovery time.

What is Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Fentanyl withdrawal occurs when you use fentanyl regularly for a few weeks and then stop, leading to negative consequences. It affects your daily activities and makes it difficult to cope without the drug. You need quick medical assistance after consulting a doctor, as withdrawal symptoms appear within 12 hours. The first 2-3 days are particularly challenging, with a high risk of relapse during this period.

What Are Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms?

Some common withdrawal symptoms of fentanyl are vomiting, sweating, cravings, diarrhea, cramps, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, high blood pressure, anxiety, and breathing problems. The patients overcome these symptoms by staying hydrated, eating healthy, and consulting doctors. Medications like naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone help to minimize fentanyl cravings.

Is Fentanyl More Potent Than Morphine?

Yes, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Small amounts of fentanyl show strong analgesic effects, and the high potency of fentanyl contributes to its addiction, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine addiction. Fentanyl is very effective in pain management. This increases the risk of using fentanyl without a prescription, which leads to addiction. Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain, causing an individual to use it repeatedly.

Is The Risk Of Accidental Overdose Higher With Fentanyl Compared To Heroin?

Yes, there is a higher chance of accidental fentanyl overdose because it is stronger than heroin. An enormous amount of fentanyl results in severe respiratory depression and overdose, particularly among individuals who lack opiate tolerance. The risk of fentanyl addiction is high because of the presence of illicit fentanyl in other drugs. In 2019, fentanyl was accountable for roughly 72% of deaths caused by opioid overdoses in the United States. Both narcotics are hazardous, and heroin addiction also increases the risk of opioid use disorder.

Is Fentanyl Associated With A Higher Risk Of Overdose Compared To Methadone?

Yes, fentanyl carries a greater risk of overdose than methadone. Fentanyl's vitality, along with its rapid action on the body, makes it far more life-threatening. Fentanyl has been estimated to be 50 to 100 times greater in strength than morphine and slightly 30 to 50 times more effective than heroin, according to a research titled “The rising crisis of illicit fentanyl use, overdose, and potential therapeutic strategies,” published in 2019 by Translational Psychiatry. Methadone has a delayed onset and a prolonged half-life, making it less toxic to use, but the overuse also causes methadone addiction. A tiny dose of fentanyl leads to lethal respiratory depression, particularly in individuals who do not have opiate tolerance. 

Is Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Covered By Insurance?

Yes, Fentanyl addiction treatment is covered by insurance, as most health insurance plans include coverage for substance use disorder treatments, including opioid addictions like fentanyl, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The extent of coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan, including factors such as deductibles, copayments, and whether treatment facilities are in-network or out-of-network. To understand exactly what your insurance covers for fentanyl addiction treatment, verify insurance through our free and confidential verification process that will help determine your benefits and available treatment options.

Do Local Drug Rehab Facilities Treat Fentanyl Addiction?

Yes, most rehabilitation centers have developed specialized programs to address the unique challenges of fentanyl dependency, which has become increasingly prevalent in the opioid crisis. These programs typically include medically supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine or methadone, and comprehensive counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction.

Treatment options vary based on the severity of your addiction, with both inpatient and outpatient programs available. Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 care in a structured environment recommended for severe cases, while outpatient options offer flexibility if you have a milder addiction or a strong support system at home. When you're ready to seek help for fentanyl addiction, local drug rehab facilities provide the specialized care you need for recovery, including withdrawal management, therapy, and long-term support to prevent relapse.