For over a decade, our country has battled an opioid epidemic that has ravaged communities everywhere, including Lorain County. This may hit even closer to home if your own loved one has suffered from an opioid addiction.
Unfortunately, a new threat has made its way into our community in the form of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 30-50 times more potent than heroin and 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
If your loved one has struggled with opioid addiction in the past or is currently struggling with opioid addiction, it’s important for you to be aware of what fentanyl abuse looks like. This article will focus on the most common fentanyl addiction symptoms, so you can spot them quickly if your loved one is abusing the drug.
Fentanyl Addiction Symptoms to Lookout For
It’s important to note that if your loved one is abusing fentanyl, they should get help as soon as possible. By knowing the signs of fentanyl abuse, you’ll be able to improve your loved one’s chances of receiving treatment before their addiction escalates even further.
If your loved one starts exhibiting these following symptoms, they may be struggling with fentanyl abuse:
- Disorientation, forgetfulness and confusion for no other apparent reason
- Increased mood swings, anger and defensiveness
- Difficulty breathing, accompanied by a lower heart rate
- Increased lack of concentration and focus on tasks
- Digestive and gastrointestinal problems
Other physical symptoms include vomiting, headaches, swelling of the arms, feet and legs, chest pains and seizures. Paranoia and becoming more isolated are also signs that may indicate your loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction.
Long-Term Fentanyl Abuse Symptoms
It’s entirely possible that you’re loved one was able to minimize the short-term symptoms listed above. However, with fentanyl abuse, there are several long-term side effects that can develop into major mental and physical health conditions.
One of the easiest to notice is their physical appearance. Fentanyl causes a loss of appetite, which naturally leads to eating less and losing weight. While difficult to witness, this malnourishment is a clear sign that your loved one is struggling with an addiction and needs help.
It’s also important to pay attention to your loved one’s mood. Fentanyl fundamentally changes brain chemistry and impacts your loved one’s decision making and impulses. If your loved one is falling into depressive episodes more often, experiencing panic attacks or having more severe mood swings, it’s time to talk to them about their substance use and get them help.
Your Loved One Can Break the Cycle of Addiction at Silver Maple Recovery
Even if your suspicions are correct and your loved one is abusing fentanyl, there is still hope for them to overcome their addiction. In fact, most people are able to focus on breaking the mental hold of fentanyl once physical dependence has been eased through detox. That’s why treatment centers like Silver Maple Recovery use medication-assisted detox to help people just like your loved one have the best chance at lasting recovery.
If you suspect your loved one of abusing fentanyl and has showcased some of the signs above, it’s important you find the right support to help them. At Silver Maple Recovery, we use a personalized, evidence-based approach to treatment to give them the greatest chance at recovery.
We have live rehab professionals ready to answer your call 24/7, so contact our team today for help!
