Is Fentanyl Addictive?

Medically Reviewed by Kate Perfetti, LADC II
May 13, 2023

Is fentanyl addictive? Discover the dangers of fentanyl and effective treatment options in this comprehensive article.

What Is Fentanyl?

If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, you may have some questions about fentanyl. Is fentanyl addictive? What are the side effects of fentanyl abuse? Can fentanyl addiction be treated? Find out the answers and more in this article. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid pain medication. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, producing powerful pain relief. This can also lead to a feeling of euphoria.

Is Fentanyl Addictive?

So, is fentanyl addictive? The answer is yes; fentanyl is addictive. Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for addiction and abuse and is only available by prescription from a health care provider. Why is fentanyl addictive? It produces intense physical and psychological dependence.

Scope of Fentanyl Misuse

When taken for a prolonged period or in large doses, the body can develop a tolerance to fentanyl. This means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and even overdose.1 In recent years, there has been a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths due to abuse. Approximately one hundred fifty fentanyl-related deaths occur each day. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is important to seek help from a health care professional.2

How Does Fentanyl Compare to Other Opioids?

Now you know the answer to the question, is fentanyl addictive? But how is fentanyl addictive compared to other opioids? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than many other opioids, such as:

Morphine
Heroin
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone

Is Fentanyl Addictive?: Fentanyl vs Other Opioids

Fentanyl is about one hundred times more potent than morphine and fifty times more potent than heroin.3 Compared to other opioids, fentanyl has a faster onset of action. This means that it begins to work more quickly. The drug also has a shorter duration of action, meaning it does not last as long in the body. These factors contribute to its high potency and the increased risk of addiction and overdose.

How Is Fentanyl Used?

Fentanyl is often used in medical settings, such as hospitals and surgical centers. Physicians typically prescribe it for the following:

Pain relief during and after procedures
Severe pain in patients who have not responded to other pain medications
Chronic pain in patients with cancer or other conditions

However, fentanyl is also used illicitly. Most commonly, individuals use the drug for its euphoric effects. Sometimes, people mix it with other drugs like heroin or cocaine. This can increase the risk of overdose and death.

What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction?

If you are wondering is fentanyl addictive, you may have seen some signs in you or a loved one. While the answer to the question “is fentanyl addictive?” tells you that fentanyl is addictive, it may not tell you the signs to look for. The signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction can vary depending on the individual. But, there are several common signs to watch for.

Common Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction:4

Constricted pupils
Drowsiness and fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Constipation
Sedation
Increased tolerance
Dependence on the drug
Withdrawal symptoms
Continued use despite negative consequences

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs and symptoms, it may be a sign of fentanyl addiction.

How to Recognize if a Loved One Is Developing a Fentanyl Addiction

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction can be challenging, especially if someone is trying to hide their drug use. However, some common signs and symptoms may indicate that someone is developing an addiction to fentanyl. Here are some things to look out for:

Changes in behavior
Increased drowsiness
Flushed skin
Mood changes
Increased tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms
Risky behavior
Uncontrollable use

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to seek help from a health care professional or addiction specialist. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome fentanyl addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

How Is Fentanyl Addictive?

Now that you know the answer to “is fentanyl addictive?”, you may wonder how this addiction occurs. A quick glance at the question, “is fentanyl addictive?” will give you a brief understanding of the drug’s pharmacology. However, it may not answer all questions about the development of addiction. So, how is fentanyl addictive? Fentanyl addiction develops through a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Here are some of the key factors that can contribute to the development of fentanyl addiction:

Brain Changes

Fentanyl affects the brain’s reward system, causing the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure and reinforces drug use. Prolonged fentanyl use can cause the brain to become less responsive to natural rewards. Thus, it becomes more dependent on fentanyl to feel pleasure.

Genetics

Genetic factors can play a role in the development of addiction. Studies have found that certain genes may be associated with a higher risk of addiction to opioids, including fentanyl.5

Environmental Factors

Social and environmental factors can also contribute to addiction. Some examples include:

Growing up in a household where substance abuse is prevalent
Living in a neighborhood where substance abuse is common or normalized
Experiencing trauma, stress, or other adverse situations

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

People with underlying mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be more likely to develop addiction to fentanyl or other opioids.

Exposure and Access to Fentanyl

Exposure to fentanyl, such as through medical use or illicit drug use, can increase the risk of addiction. In recent years, fentanyl has become increasingly available on the illicit drug market, contributing to the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths.

What Are the Risks Associated With Fentanyl Use?

When you first look at “is fentanyl addictive?”, you may think addiction is the only risk. However, as a more in-depth look at “is fentanyl addictive?” will show you, addiction is only one concern with fentanyl abuse. There are several risks associated with fentanyl use. It is important for anyone who is using fentanyl to be aware of these risks and to use the drug only as directed by a health care provider. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is important to seek help from a health care professional or addiction specialist. Some of the risks include:

Overdose

When people first research “is fentanyl addictive?”, one of the most notable concerns is overdose. Fentanyl is a very potent opioid. Even a small amount can cause an overdose, which can be fatal. Signs of a fentanyl overdose include respiratory depression, blue lips or fingertips, and loss of consciousness.

Addiction

You now know that the answer to “is fentanyl addictive?” is yes. However, what does this mean? Fentanyl is highly addictive, meaning prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. This can make it difficult to stop using the drug and cause a range of negative consequences in a person’s life.

Respiratory Depression

Fentanyl can slow down or stop breathing. This can lead to hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the body) and other serious medical complications.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone dependent on fentanyl tries to stop using the drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and can cause:

Muscle and bone pain
Anxiety
Insomnia
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cold flashes

Other Health Risks

Fentanyl use can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as:

Infections
Heart problems
Liver damage

Accidental Exposure

Fentanyl can be dangerous, regardless of how or why it is used. People not accustomed to the drug, including children and first responders, can accidentally ingest or inhale fentanyl. This can cause them to suffer from overdose or other serious health problems.

How Do the Risks Vary Depending on the Route of Administration?

The risks associated with fentanyl use can vary depending on the route of administration. You’ll also find that the answer to “is fentanyl addictive?” may change when considering the route of administration. How is fentanyl addictive in terms of how it is used? Fentanyl, in all forms, is addictive. However, certain routes of administration can be more addictive. Here are some of the ways that the risks can differ based on the method of use:

Intravenous Injection

Injecting fentanyl intravenously (IV) can increase the risk of overdose and the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C. Sharing needles can also increase the risk of infection.

Inhalation

Inhaling fentanyl through the nose or mouth (snorting or smoking) can lead to respiratory problems, such as:

Shortness of breath
Coughing
Wheezing

Inhalation can also cause damage to the nasal passages, throat, and lungs.

Transdermal Patches

Fentanyl patches release the drug slowly through the skin over a period of forty-eight to seventy-two hours. However, using more than one patch at a time or heating the patch can cause the drug to be released too quickly, potentially leading to an overdose.

Sublingual and Buccal Administration

Fentanyl can also be taken by placing a tablet or film under the tongue or against the cheek. While this method of administration can reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission, it can still lead to overdose and other health problems if used improperly.

How Does Fentanyl Interact With the Brain and Body?

How is fentanyl addictive regarding its interaction with the brain and body? The effects of fentanyl on the brain and body can lead to various negative health consequences if not used as directed by a health care professional. Here are some of the key mechanisms of action:

Binding to Opioid Receptors

Fentanyl binds to specific receptors in the brain and body called mu-opioid receptors. When fentanyl binds to these receptors, it produces a range of effects, including:

Pain relief
Sedation
Feelings of euphoria

Modifying the Release of Neurotransmitters

Fentanyl can modify the release of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including:

Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine

This can affect mood, the brain’s reward system, and other physiological processes.

Reducing the Perception of Pain

Fentanyl works by reducing the perception of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. This is why it is often used in medical settings to treat severe pain associated with cancer or surgery.

Depressing the Respiratory System

Fentanyl can also depress the respiratory system, slowing down or stopping breathing. This is one of the primary mechanisms of action that can lead to overdose and other serious health problems.

Causing Physical Dependence

Prolonged use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence, meaning the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug and needs it to function normally. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms if someone tries to stop using fentanyl.

What Are the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Fentanyl Use?

Fentanyl use can affect the body and mind. Here are some of the common effects:

Physiological Effects of Fentanyl

Physiological effects include:

Pain relief: Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller that can relieve severe pain.
Euphoria: Fentanyl use can cause feelings of intense pleasure and happiness.
Sedation: Fentanyl can cause drowsiness and make people sleepy or lethargic.
Respiratory Depression: Fentanyl can slow down or stop breathing
Nausea and Vomiting: Fentanyl can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in high doses.
Constipation: Fentanyl can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
Constricted Pupils: Fentanyl use can cause the pupils of the eyes to become smaller.

Psychological Effects of Fentanyl

Psychological effects include:

Mood Changes: Fentanyl can cause mood swings and changes in emotional states.
Impaired Judgment: Fentanyl can impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities.
Memory Problems: Fentanyl can cause memory problems and difficulty with recall.
Anxiety: Fentanyl can cause feelings of anxiety or paranoia, especially at high doses.
Depression: Fentanyl can worsen existing depression or trigger new episodes of depression.
Cravings and Addiction: Fentanyl can lead to cravings and addiction, which can be difficult to overcome.

It is important to note that the effects of fentanyl can vary depending on several factors, such as the individual, the dose, and the route of administration.

What Are the Treatment Options Available for Individuals Struggling With Fentanyl Addiction?

There are several treatment options available for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction. The most effective treatment will depend on the individual’s unique situation, including addiction severity, co-occurring mental health conditions, and personal preferences.

Treatment Opportunities

Here are some of the most common treatment options:

Detoxification
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Behavioral therapy
Residential treatment
Outpatient treatment
Support groups

It is important to seek help from a health care professional or addiction specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

Is Fentanyl Addictive? Learn More With Rockland Recovery

So, is fentanyl addictive? Yes. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to fentanyl or any other substance, Rockland Recovery can help. Our experienced team of health care professionals and addiction specialists can provide personalized treatment and support to help you achieve lasting recovery.

Reach Out to Rockland Recovery and Begin Healing From Substance Use Disorder Today

Resources

Medically Reviewed by Kate Perfetti, LADC II

Kate is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who has worked in the field of substance abuse for the last nine years. At Rockland Recovery, Kate works to provide resources to the local community and engage and progress Rockland Recovery’s alumni program.

REQUEST A CONFIDENTIAL CALL

Take the First Step Toward Recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to request a confidential call to explore treatment options, ask questions, and receive support from experienced professionals. We know taking this first step can be challenging, but it’s a courageous and important part of the recovery journey.

"*" indicates required fields