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Fentanyl use is on the rise, including here in Richmond, Virginia. However, knowledge is power. Understanding fentanyl, its uses, what it looks like, how it affects the body, and more can potentially lead to real change, as well as help you and your loved ones avoid addiction or fatal overdoses. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be life-threatening.
So, what is fentanyl exactly? How does it impact the brain and body? What does it look like? Keep reading to learn more.
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Fentanyl Facts
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid1. It’s 50-100 times more potent than morphine2 and 30-50 times more powerful than heroin3, making it particularly dangerous.
Another problem with fentanyl is that it’s often found in other illicit drugs4—without the user’s knowledge. This is because it’s much cheaper than other drugs. Its potency also allows drug dealers to increase their profit margins. Yet, learning more about this potentially fatal drug can ensure you stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain?
Similar to other opioids, fentanyl binds to the opioid receptors in the body5. These receptors are in regions of the brain involved in pain and emotional control. It’s used in medical settings to help with pain before and after surgery. But even small doses can lead to an addiction, especially if not carefully monitored.
Effects of fentanyl may include6:
- Euphoria or extreme happiness
- Pain relief
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Breathing issues
When used repeatedly, many find it difficult to feel happiness without fentanyl. This can lead to addiction and, eventually, dependency and tolerance.
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
Fentanyl can be hard to identify from looks alone. It can often mimic other drugs or be mixed into other pills. With that said, it may appear as a7:
- White powder: This may resemble cocaine or heroin (or be presented as such). It may be white, tan, or off-white in color.
- Pills: It typically looks similar to oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax. It may be blue, white, green, or another color. It may also be imprinted to disguise it as other drugs.
- Liquid: In some cases, it may be mixed with nasal spray, eye drops, or vape liquid.
- Patch: This is reserved for prescription fentanyl; it’s given as a transdermal patch to offer a slow release. But this doesn’t mean it can’t lead to addiction. When abused and repeatedly used, prescription fentanyl can cause issues.
- Lozenge: These may also be prescribed; they’re taken by allowing the medication to melt in your mouth.
The only real way to detect if fentanyl is present in a substance is through testing. Fentanyl test strips can be used to help prevent overdoses or accidental use8.
Does Fentanyl Have a Specific Smell?
Fentanyl is both odorless and tasteless, again making it difficult to identify9. This also makes it a high-risk drug when it comes to overdoses since many individuals may take it without realizing what they’re taking.
Illegal vs Legal Uses of Fentanyl
Fentanyl was developed for legitimate medical purposes10 and continues to play a role in healthcare settings. When properly prescribed and administered by medical professionals, fentanyl serves as:
- A powerful pain management tool for patients with severe acute or chronic pain
- An anesthetic component during and after surgical procedures
- A treatment option for breakthrough pain in cancer patients
- A pain management solution for patients who have developed tolerance to other opioids
Medical fentanyl is carefully regulated, precisely dosed, and administered under close supervision.
Unfortunately, fentanyl has become increasingly prevalent in illegal drug markets where it poses severe dangers, including:
- Illicitly manufactured in laboratories without quality control
- Added to heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills to increase potency and reduce production costs
- Often present in varying and unpredictable amounts, leading to high overdose risk
- Sold deceptively as other drugs, putting users at risk who may not know they're taking fentanyl
Many experts claim that fentanyl is one of the drugs driving the current drug epidemic. And with a fentanyl addiction, it can be difficult (and dangerous) to stop on your own. This is why getting proper treatment and help is imperative.
Can You Overdose on Fentanyl?
Yes, you can overdose on fentanyl11—even in small amounts. In fact, overdose deaths related to fentanyl have become increasingly common. Signs of an overdose include:
- Slowed breathing
- Cold and clammy skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Choking sounds
If you suspect someone you know has overdosed on fentanyl, call 911. If available, administer naloxone and stay with them until emergency services arrive.
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Treatment for a Fentanyl Addiction
In Virginia, eight out of 10 overdose deaths in 2023 involved fentanyl. Treating a fentanyl addiction requires professional care. Trying to quit alone is often unsuccessful and can be very dangerous.
At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team is here to help. Recovery is possible, and we believe your best days are still ahead of you. While it can be difficult to take that first step, a member of our team is there to answer your call when you’re ready. Our phone lines are open 24/7. When the time is right, call us at 804-635-3746. We’ll be there by your side every step of the way.
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