Fentanyl Statistics Addiction, Overdose, & Recovery Facts 2023

Its high potency significantly increases the risk of overdose and death, even with minimal exposure. Fentanyl withdrawal occurs when someone who is physically dependent on the drug stops using it. The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal begin within 12 to drug addiction treatment 30 hours after the last dose and include intense cravings, muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. Withdrawal is more severe than with other opioids due to fentanyl’s high potency. The fentanyl problem is extremely serious, driving record overdose deaths due to its high potency for example in Michigan, 174,000 individuals aged 12 and older (2.02%) are affected by opioid addiction. This includes 7,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 (0.85%) and 13,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 (1.29%).

Medical Origins and Uses

  • Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals.
  • Fentanyl is prescribed under strict medical supervision due to its potency and the risk of overdose.
  • The medications used in this treatment are designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

Many other street drugs like stimulants, benzodiazepines, and other opioids are now being laced with fentanyl. Such a practice has caused many people to take fentanyl unknowingly. Fentanyl is widely used in the US, and rates of overdose are rising.

NIH-funded intervention did not impact opioid-related overdose death rates over evaluation period

what is fentanyl addiction

The use of fentanyl citrate injection with CYP3A4 inducers or stopping the CYP3A4 inhibitor will require close and repetitive monitoring of the patient. Fentanyl products are intended to be administered by or taken under the instruction of a healthcare professional. While healthcare how long does fentanyl stay in your system professionals write fewer opioid prescriptions each year, most pain specialists continue to prescribe it to patients in excruciating pain.

what is fentanyl addiction

How to Tell if Someone Has Overdosed on Fentanyl

Fentanyl rehab residential treatment can offer a community of support where monitoring can take place 24 hours a day. Staying at a residential treatment center gives people time and space away from environments that may promote fentanyl misuse. Another dangerous consequence of prolonged fentanyl use is tolerance. Tolerance occurs when people become desensitized, or accustomed to, the effects of a substance. This causes a person to need larger or more frequent doses of a drug to maintain the desired effects.

Yes, genetic factors can affect how individuals respond to opioid addiction treatments. Genetic variability influences the metabolism of medications used in treatment and can affect both the efficacy and safety of these drugs. Steer clear of combining opioids with alcohol or other substances/medications, as this poses severe dangers. Particularly avoid mixing opioids with drugs that induce drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax and Valium), muscle relaxants (e.g., Soma or Flexeril), hypnotics (e.g., Ambien or Lunesta), and other prescription opioids.

  • This might include ongoing therapy, medication management, sober living arrangements, and continued participation in support groups.
  • According to recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics, opioid overdose deaths have reached crisis levels.
  • For example, the person may obtain it as powders or pills or add it to containers such as eyedroppers or nasal sprays.
  • Emergency medical assistance for an overdose is still necessary after administering naloxone.

You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.

Fentanyl addiction occurs when a person becomes dependent on fentanyl, a powerful prescription painkiller. This dependency leads to cravings and continued use despite serious health risks. In New Jersey, illegally made fentanyls were involved in 83% of overdose deaths in 2023, contributing to a total of 2,778 overdose fatalities.

To avoid them and to satisfy cravings, users continue to take fentanyl. Behavioral therapy and counseling also effectively treat opioid addictions. They help you change your behavior and attitudes toward the drug and learn ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

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