.svg)
Fentanyl has reshaped communities, overwhelmed emergency rooms, and driven overdose deaths to record highs. But even as fentanyl dominates headlines, many people aren’t entirely sure what it is—or how it fits into the broader category of drugs known as opioids.
Ultimately, knowledge is power. And this knowledge can be truly lifesaving. So, let’s take a closer look.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and body called opioid receptors.
When this happens, the brain releases large amounts of dopamine, producing feelings of pain relief, relaxation, and in many cases, intense euphoria. And this combination is part of what makes opioids both medically valuable, as well as prone to misuse.
Opioids fall into three broad categories:
- Natural opioids derived from the opium poppy plant
- Semi-synthetic opioids that are chemically modified versions of natural compounds
- Fully synthetic opioids created entirely in a laboratory.
All three types interact with the brain in similar ways, and all of them carry a risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an opioid. Specifically, it’s a synthetic opioid, meaning it’s made entirely in a lab. It was originally developed for medical use and is still legally prescribed today, typically in the form of patches, lozenges, or injections, for patients dealing with severe or chronic pain. Often, this means that in the medical context its used for those recovering from surgery or living with advanced cancer.
However, fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. In a medical setting, that extreme potency can be carefully controlled and used safely. But illicitly manufactured fentanyl is an entirely different and far more dangerous story.
Since it’s so concentrated, even a tiny amount can cause a fatal overdose. And because it’s often mixed into other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills, people may unknowingly consume it without ever intending to.
Other Common Types of Opioids
While fentanyl is the opioid dominating today’s crisis, it’s not the only one. Other well-known opioids include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxymorphone
- Methadone
- Tramadol
Each of these drugs affects the brain's opioid receptors in a similar way. Yet, they differ significantly in potency, how quickly they act, and how high the risk of overdose becomes.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain and Body?
Similar to other opioids, fentanyl works by flooding the brain with dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and reward. In the short term, this creates a powerful rush of pain relief and euphoria. But the brain is quick to adapt.
With chronic use, the brain begins to rely on fentanyl to feel normal, and the natural dopamine system becomes less effective on its own. In turn, this can pave the way to increase use and addiction.
Fentanyl also causes the central nervous system to slow down. Breathing becomes shallow, heart rate drops, and at high doses, a person can lose consciousness entirely.
In fact, an overdose from fentanyl can happen rapidly, sometimes within minutes. The signs this is happening include pinpoint pupils, unresponsiveness, slow or stopped breathing, and bluish lips or fingertips.
But here’s some good news: Naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan) can reverse a fentanyl overdose. However, due to fentanyl’s potency, multiple doses may be required. Thus, having naloxone on hand and knowing how to use it can save a life.
Fentanyl & The Opioid Crisis
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become the leading driver of overdose deaths in the United States, surpassing heroin and prescription opioids. It’s now showing up in a wide range of street drugs—pressed into counterfeit pills designed to look like legitimate prescriptions, mixed into cocaine, and laced into other substances.
Opioid addiction also doesn’t always start with illicit drug use. Many people who develop a dependence on opioids began with a valid prescription for pain. The transition from prescribed use to dependence to addiction can happen gradually, quietly, and without anyone intending for it to.
Treatment for Fentanyl and Opioid Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl or opioid use, recovery is possible. Treatment for fentanyl addiction typically begins with medically supervised detox. Withdrawal from opioids can be physically intense, causing symptoms such as severe muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. Thus, having medical support during this phase is essential.
From there, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays an important role in many recovery journeys. Medications such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade are evidence-based options that help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse. However, it’s worth noting that MAT is always used alongside therapy and counseling, addressing addiction from all angles.
Many people who struggle with opioid addiction are also dealing with underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma. Addressing both the addiction and any co-occurring conditions, known as dual diagnosis treatment, gives people a much stronger foundation for lasting recovery.
Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) is a premium residential treatment center in Richmond, VA, offering compassionate, evidence-based care for opioid addiction and dual diagnosis. Our team is here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Call us today at 804-635-3746. We’re here to help!
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
