Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl addiction is on the rise throughout the country and those affected come from every socioeconomic background. There was a time when opioid abuse was confined to the dark corners of society – poor, run-down neighborhoods. Today people from all walks of life are trapped in the grip of substance abuse: from college students to lawyers, and soccer moms. In recent years, fentanyl abuse has exploded as illicit fentanyl is smuggled into the United States in massive amounts.

Drug dealers know fentanyl is much stronger than street heroin but peddle this powerful narcotic without the blink of an eye. The signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse are important to distinguish if you suspect a loved one of being addicted. Because of the drug’s extreme potency, many unsuspecting addicts are overdosing on fentanyl and the results are often fatal. Knowing the signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse before it’s too late can mean the difference between life and death. Once you’re sure that your loved one is using fentanyl, you can take the appropriate steps that could include setting up an intervention.

We know that fentanyl is a potent agonist of opioid receptors – so the signs and symptoms of use will be similar to other opioids such as heroin and oxycodone. Watch out for changes in your loved one’s behavior and physical appearance. If you suspect abuse it can be confirmed with a drug test that checks for opioids in a person’s urine.

These are the most common signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse, but there are more. To confirm that your loved one is addicted to fentanyl, the best way is to purchase a drug test at your local drug store. It’s important to ask if the test checks for fentanyl because a generic and basic 5-panel drug test generally does not include fentanyl.

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, our recovery advocates can help you find the appropriate fentanyl drug rehab for your situation. Many people who develop a substance use disorder find it very difficult to stop using without professional help. If you or someone you know is looking for a detox, drug rehab, intervention, or outpatient drug rehab, our addiction resource center can help.

Long Island Interventions provides an opportunity for those struggling with substance abuse to recover safely. We believe in Long Island drug treatment programs that are solution-focused and evidence-based and our recovery advocates have decades of combined experience.