Health Effects of Fentanyl Use and Addiction

Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid originally manufactured for severe post-surgical or chronic pain. Although it is still used in medicine today under very specific and strict guidelines, it is also now illicitly manufactured and widely distributed on the streets and laced into other illicit drugs. It has come to play a significant role in rates of accidental overdose and opioid addiction across the country.¹

This page will explain the effects and health risks of fentanyl use and how to find help for fentanyl addiction.

Adverse Effects of Fentanyl

Fentanyl use is associated with adverse effects, which may include:²

• Sedation.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea.
• Confusion.
• Constipation.

Alongside the above, different methods of use can present other route-specific adverse effects.³

Effects of Smoking Fentanyl

Some people may smoke fentanyl, possibly in an attempt to avoid certain risks associated with injecting fentanyl.⁴ But, smoking fentanyl is not without its risks.

Inhaling fentanyl smoke is associated with the following risks:⁵

• Respiratory illnesses.
• Asthma exacerbation.
• Pulmonary edema.
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Early-onset emphysema.

Effects of Snorting Fentanyl

Illicit fentanyl is often bought as a powder and snorted or illicitly laced as an additive into drugs such as cocaine and then snorted.^1,6  When opioids like fentanyl are snorted, the effects set in almost immediately which comes with an increased risk of overdose and of developing fentanyl addiction.⁶

Snorting fentanyl is associated with several adverse effects, including:^7,8

• Lung conditions such as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.
• Pain in oral and nasal regions.
• Bleeding in the nose.
• Increased sino-nasal congestion and discharge.
• Tissue loss inside the nasal cavity.
• Perforation in the nasal septum.
• Perforation in the palate (nasal to oral connection).
• Fungal sinus infection.

Effects of Injecting Fentanyl

Injecting fentanyl is a method of use associated with a greater risk of overdose and of developing addiction.^4,6 Similar to when fentanyl is snorted, injecting fentanyl results in near-immediate effects.⁶

In addition, injecting drugs such as fentanyl is known to increase the risk of:^4,9

• Viral hepatitis.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Tuberculosis.
• Bacterial and fungal infections.
• Skin and soft tissue infections (including abscesses).

Fentanyl Risks

Using fentanyl comes with several risks. The main fentanyl dangers include:²

• Physiological dependence, which can develop with repeated use as the body adapts to the presence of fentanyl. When a person develops physiological dependence to a substance such as fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms emerge when use of the drug is stopped or the dose is lowered abruptly.^2,3
• Addiction, diagnosed by mental health professionals as opioid use disorder, is a chronic brain disease in which a person is no longer able to control their drug use despite harmful consequences.^2,3
• Overdose, which can occur when a person consumes enough of the drug to cause serious adverse effects and symptoms that are life-threatening.² Inconsistent and unregulated drug supplies may cause a person to overdose on fentanyl because they are unaware the drug they are using contains fentanyl or they may be unaware of the amount of fentanyl they are using and that the slightest amount is lethal.¹

Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can include:¹⁰

• Small, pinpoint-size pupils.
• Loss of consciousness or trouble staying awake.
• Slow or absent breathing, or difficulty breathing such as gurgling or choking sounds.
• Lips or fingernails turning purple or blue.

Because fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, in some cases, an overdose may require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse its effects. Therefore, even if naloxone is available, it is still important to call for emergency medical help in the event of an overdose.²

Fentanyl Mixed with Other Drugs

Fentanyl may be intentionally or unintentionally mixed with other drugs. Some dealers may cut fentanyl into other illicit substances because of its extreme potency, thus making their products cheaper, stronger, and more addictive.¹

However, fentanyl has infiltrated the illicit drug supply (i.e., counterfeit pills, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs) to the point where even dealers may not be aware that the drugs contain fentanyl.¹⁰ This is particularly dangerous because very little fentanyl is required to overdose, and many illicit drugs contain lethal doses.¹

Regardless of a person’s awareness, taking fentanyl with other drugs is never safe, and the results can be unpredictable.¹⁰ Mixing fentanyl with other substances, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol can increase the risk of:^11,12

• Overdose.
• Permanent damage to the brain or other organs.
• Death.

Fentanyl Rehab Near Dallas-Fort Worth

If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl use or addiction, there is hope. Greenhouse Treatment Center provides outpatient and inpatient addiction treatment near Dallas, Texas.

Our highly experienced clinical team employs evidence-based addiction treatment and customizes each person’s treatment plan according to their needs. Available levels of care include medical detox, inpatient treatment, and multiple outpatient program offerings.

Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to make the treatment admissions process as smooth as possible. Figuring out insurance coverage or other ways to pay for rehab shouldn’t be a deterrent to treatment; our compassionate team can help.

Call today and start life anew. You can also quickly and confidentially now.