How are fentanyl and heroin different?
Both fentanyl and heroin are opioids. They bind directly to the receptors in your brain that receive pain messages and essentially trick your brain into thinking that your pain has gone away while giving you a sense of relaxation and euphoria.
Heroin and fentanyl are incredibly potent, and consuming too much of either drug could lead to an overdose or death. However, while both drugs are dangerous opioids, they still have differences. In the following article, we’ll take a look at the difference between heroin and fentanyl.
What’s the Difference Between Heroin and Fentanyl?
Heroin is a semi-synthetic compound made from morphine which is a natural compound found in opium poppy plant seeds. Heroin is a Schedule I Narcotic, which means that not only is it illegal, but it also has no medical use. Heroin is highly addictive, and there is no legal way to purchase it. Almost 20% of all drug and alcohol treatment admissions in the United States are due to heroin.
Unlike heroin, fentanyl is a 100% man-made compound. It is classed as a Schedule II Narcotic and is used to treat extreme pain medically. Fentanyl is applied to the patient via an external skin patch. It was originally designed to replicate natural opioids such as morphine but be much more potent.
Fentanyl can be 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It’s the potency of fentanyl that makes it so dangerous. Often heroin users are unaware that they are using fentanyl until it’s too late, and they experience an overdose or even death in some cases.
If you or someone you know experiences an overdose when using heroin or fentanyl, seek medical assistance immediately.
What’s the Difference Between Heroin & Fentanyl?
You should now have a clear idea about the difference between heroin and fentanyl. If you or someone you know is dealing with a heroin or fentanyl addiction, then getting professional assistance is the first step towards recovery.
Skyward Treatment is a premier rehab and treatment center located in Sugar Land, Texas. We offer a comprehensive, caring, and compassionate approach to recovery tailored to suit you and your addiction. If you have been struggling with addiction and it’s affecting your personal or professional life, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us online or via phone at (713) 835-4771. So often, taking the first step is the most challenging yet most rewarding. Our friendly and professional team is standing by to assist you.