Heroin and fentanyl are two of the most addictive drugs belonging to the class of opioids. Their major function is to relieve pain after a major injury, surgery, or other trauma. Both these drugs work by affecting the opioid receptors in the brain. When taken, these drugs bind with the opioid receptors and bring in a relieving sense of pain.
Both fentanyl and heroin have common functions. However, they are still different in other aspects.
Heroin
Though heroin reduces pain, it is not classified as a medicinal drug and falls under the Schedule I category of drugs. This means it is an illegal drug. All forms of heroin, such as white, brown, or black powder, are all manufactured, sold, and purchased illegally.
Users identify injecting, smoking, and snorting the drug as some of the common consumption methods. Studies show that out of 13.5 million people taking opioids, 9.2 million are heroin users. With these numbers rising, heroin addiction is becoming a concern, and more and more people are seeking help from rehab centers.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a man-made synthetic drug falling under the Schedule II category of drugs. This means it is prescribed by the doctors for those who are suffering from immense pain. Since it is a prescription drug, fentanyl can be obtained legally. Doctors usually prescribe fentanyl in the form of an adhesive patch, lozenge, or injection. If taken beyond prescription, fentanyl can cause addiction, overdose, and death.
As per the survey conducted by CDC, there were 28,000 deaths due to synthetic opioid overdose in the U.S. in 2017. With years passing by, these numbers have risen, and so have the number of people seeking medical help for fentanyl addiction.
Addiction To Fentanyl And Heroin
Fentanyl and heroin both are fast-acting drugs and quickly become addictive. One of the other reasons for developing an addiction is withdrawal symptoms. If a user stops drug consumption cold-turkey, they experience extreme withdrawal symptoms which aren’t easy to handle and make them take the drugs again.
Therefore, to avoid going through these harsh withdrawal symptoms, seek medical assistance from a rehab center. The center can provide certain medications which can help the patient handle the withdrawal symptoms and eventually detox from the drugs.
Side Effects Of Fentanyl And Heroin
As we know, both these drugs are dangerous and have extreme effects on the user’s body. Some of their side effects are:
- Unconsciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Flushed skin
- Severe itching
- Insomnia
- Respiratory and breathing issues
- Coma
- Death
- Confusion
- Depression
- Anxiety
Seeking Medical Help
Medical assistance is extremely important when addicted to heroin or fentanyl. If left unattended, their addiction can even lead to death due to overdose. In such a case, immediately contact Skyward Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas, to overcome heroin and fentanyl addiction. Contact us now to get more details about our rehab center.