What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a highly potent drug for treating severe pain management. Its effects are comparable to morphine, but its strength exceeds it by over a hundred times. While it is still prescribed in the United States, most of the supply of fentanyl is manufactured secondhand with the intent to distribute via black markets. Between prescription and illicit fentanyl, the resulting overdose epidemic has become more pronounced than ever.

Considering the rise in people wondering, “What is fentanyl?” it’s becoming clear that this drug has affected countless people, directly or otherwise. Seeking help for addiction is hard, and finding the right professional aid can be a challenge. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers (GBAC), we provide a comprehensive approach to heroin and fentanyl rehab guided by experienced professionals. It’s hard to overcome an addiction to fentanyl. However, a successful, long-term recovery is never out of reach. Call us at 877.920.6583 or reach out online today to learn more.

Is Fentanyl an Opioid?

Drugs are categorized by their chemical composition, which has a lot to do with how they affect the brain and body. Opioids and opiates are two terms that are circulated rather often, and their distinction is unclear to some. Chemically speaking, the two are very similar. Whereas opiates are naturally sourced by using an extract from the opium poppy plant, opioids are opiate derivations that contain at least some synthesized contents.

Fentanyl falls into the latter category. It still treats severe pain much in the same way as other opioids and opiates alike. Fentanyl is unique, however, in its uncapped potential for abuse. Not only is it cheaper to manufacture than other similar drugs (such as heroin), but it is approximately 50 times stronger. It’s not only easier to achieve a greater high with fentanyl, but it is also considerably easier to experience an overdose.

Fentanyl and Invisible Overdoses

Another reason why “what is fentanyl” has become such a popular question is because, even among people who don’t intend to use fentanyl, there still exists a major risk of it being ingested without knowing. Fentanyl is cheap and extremely potent. Therefore, it’s fairly common that illicit drug manufacturers will cut their supply to reduce costs. Fentanyl is undetectable except by testing the individual drug—something that requires specialized equipment or test strips. Considering that illicitly manufactured fentanyl is strictly contraband, these tests aren’t often carried out.

Drugs that can easily have fentanyl slipped in are usually white and take the form of powder or tablet. However, liquid fentanyl does exist as well. Substances to be most wary of include:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Pseudo-prescription opioids

As mentioned before, fentanyl is disproportionately strong. As a result, taking a dose common of prescription opioids laced with fentanyl will lead to an overdose of fentanyl. Overdoses that occur in this way have been on the rise for the better part of a decade and show no signs of slowing.

Contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers Today for Heroin and Fentanyl Rehab

So, in short, what is fentanyl? While it is, strictly speaking, just an opioid, fentanyl introduces a new dimension of risk into the already fraught world of drug abuse. The detriments that come from abusing drugs are already enough to decimate people’s livelihoods, health, or relationships. The addition of a higher-than-ever overdose risk makes the need for treatment even direr.

At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we offer several programs to help get you or your loved ones out of the clutches of opioid addiction. Our treatment program is guided by professionals who have years of experience in the field, encouraging open communication and personal growth. Taking the first step is up to you. Contact the team at GBAC today by calling 877.920.6583 or by reaching us online.