Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is known to be nearly 100 times stronger. Fentanyl can be a prescription drug, but in many cases it is made illegally and sold on the streets. The synthetic opioid is also commonly mixed into other substances unknowingly, resulting in deadly overdoses.
How Fentanyl Affects the Brain & Body
Fentanyl binds to the body’s opioid receptors – controlling emotions and managing pain. This can damage the brain’s ability to produce serotonin on its own, which means users end up only experiencing pleasure or joy with fentanyl use.
Common effects of fentanyl include:
- Sense of extreme happiness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Fatigue
- Breathing issues
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
These effects become more extreme as use of the synthetic opioid grows, and many end up overdosing trying to get the same happiness and euphoria they desire each time. Fentanyl is highly addictive due to its potency, even when taken by prescription.
If someone becomes addicted to fentanyl, detox is needed before they can enter rehabilitation treatment. Fentanyl detox should only be done in a medically supervised setting to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. Detoxing at home could have deadly side effects or result in a relapse that causes overdose.
Effects of Morphine on the Brain
Unlike fentanyl, morphine is a non-synthetic opioid that is still addictive. Morphine is used pharmaceutically as a pain management solution, but it has several effects otherwise that make many people become addicted to feeling.
Common morphine effects include:
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to cough or swallow
- Intense euphoria
- Lowered blood pressure
- Slowed pulse rate
Morphine is not as strong as fentanyl, but it can still have deadly consequences for those who become addicted. As with any drug, morphine addiction requires more and more consumption to get the desired effects, often causing people to take risky measures to get the substance they crave.
Differences Between Fentanyl & Morphine
The two substances are both a form of opioid that is addictive. Both fentanyl and morphine attach to the body’s opioid receptors, causing mainly intense feelings of pleasure. However, fentanyl is often regarded as the more dangerous substance because of its high potency and lack of regulation. Fentanyl being commonly made in home labs or on the street means that it can be mixed with anything – detergent, cleaning products, and other drugs that make overdose treatment complicated.
Break Free from Fentanyl
Fentanyl addiction often escalates quickly, but that does not mean there is no ability to break free from that addiction. At Solution Based Treatment we offer comprehensive addiction treatment that covers detox, residential rehab, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient treatment.
We guide you through every phase of recovery so that our clients graduate feeling confident and prepared to take on sober living with strong relapse prevention strategies. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl or morphine, connect with our team 24/7 to start the journey to recovery. Everyone deserves a second chance at life, and we’re dedicated to making that happen.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.