The opioid crisis has not gone away. Over the past few years, governmental interventions have had limited success. The crisis has actually gotten worse.
One of the big issues is that fentanyl use is increasing. Fentanyl is about 100 times stronger than morphine and thousands of times stronger than heroin. As such, the risks of addiction and overdose are significantly higher with fentanyl.
There is also the issue that most people addicted to opioids are buying fentanyl from dealers, with no assurances of the quality of the substances. If it is cut with other dangerous drugs, the person using it is at an even higher risk of overdose.
For this reason, it is crucial to know what signs of fentanyl use to look out for in your loved ones. Here is what you need to know.
Physical Signs
Pinpoint Pupils
One of the most noticeable physical signs of fentanyl use is pinpoint pupils. Fentanyl, like other opioids, causes the pupils to constrict significantly. This effect, known as miosis, can make the pupils appear unusually small, even in low-light conditions.
Drowsiness or Sedation
Fentanyl’s potent sedative properties often lead to drowsiness or sedation. Users may appear extremely tired or lethargic, struggling to stay awake or nodding off frequently. This interferes with daily activities, making it difficult for individuals to function normally at work, school, or in social situations.
Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression is one of the most dangerous physical signs of fentanyl use. This refers to when breathing slows down to dangerously low levels and can be life-threatening. If a person’s breathing is shallow or labored, or there are long pauses between breaths, seek immediate medical attention for them.
Weight Loss
Fentanyl users often lose weight without intending to. The drug has appetite-suppressing effects and can lead to malnutrition, resulting in a gaunt, unhealthy appearance.
Nausea and Vomiting
Fentanyl use often causes nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and further health complications. Persistent nausea can also contribute to weight loss and general physical issues.
Overall Health Decline
Chronic fentanyl use can lead to a host of severe health issues. Users may develop infections, abscesses, and track marks from injecting the drug. As tolerance increases, they need higher doses to achieve the same effect, leading to a dangerous cycle of dependence. Long-term use also weakens the immune system, making users more susceptible to illnesses and overall health decline.
Behavioral Signs
Changes in Social Behavior
Has your loved one started behaving differently in social situations? Fentanyl use can cause a person to withdraw from family and friends, preferring isolation over social activities. This can be due to a desire to hide their drug use or result from the drug’s depressive effects.
Neglected Responsibilities
Fentanyl use can lead a person to start neglecting their responsibilities. They may be missing work, school, or other obligations. The effects of fentanyl cause their performance in these areas to suffer.
Secretive Behavior
Another red flag is any kind of secretive behavior. This may be a general defensiveness when asked about details of their life and can become quite pervasive in their interactions.
Financial Problems
If a person is having financial problems – in spite of no changes in their job or lifestyle – and has started borrowing from friends or family, stealing, and even selling possessions, this may be due to the cost of their drug habit.
Psychological Signs
Mood Swings
Fentanyl users can exhibit dramatic mood swings, with extreme highs and lows, shifting from euphoria when under the influence of the drug to irritability and agitation when the effects wear off.
Anxiety and Paranoia
Users may also show increased levels of anxiety and paranoia, with a general sense of nervousness and heightened suspicion, often fearing they are being watched or judged.
Depression
Common signs of depression like persistent sadness and a lack of interest in activities can be caused or worsened by fentanyl use. The drug’s depressive effects on the central nervous system can intensify feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Cognitive Impairment
Users of fentanyl may experience memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making skills. These cognitive deficits can affect their ability to perform tasks, maintain conversations, and make sound judgments, further impacting their personal and professional lives.
Paraphernalia and Environmental Clues
Drug Paraphernalia
Needles, spoons with burn marks, small foil packets, or baggies with residue are items used to prepare and consume fentanyl.
Unusual Smells
Fentanyl can have a distinct odor when being prepared or smoked. This smell may linger in the person’s clothing, breath, or in the area where they use the drug.
Prescription Bottles
Users might obtain fentanyl through illegal means, such as buying diverted prescription drugs. Finding bottles with other people’s names on them can indicate that they’ve illegally obtained the drug.
Changes in Hygiene
A fentanyl user’s hygiene can suffer because of their addiction. You might notice disorganization, neglect of cleanliness, or a general decline in the upkeep of both themselves and their environment. Also look out for frequent visitors at odd hours, as drug users often associate with others who are involved in drug-related activities.
Taking Context into Account
Many of the signs of fentanyl use could also be signs of the use of other substances. Furthermore, some of the effects, such as mood issues and social withdrawal, could be due to mental illnesses such as depression. When looking out for signs of fentanyl use, make sure to take the person’s context into account.
Remember that whether or not they are using fentanyl, these signs are concerning and should be taken seriously.
Getting Help
If you’ve noticed one or more of the signs of fentanyl use in a loved one, you may need to get them professionally help. Call your medical care provider or contact Seasons in Malibu for advice on what you can do today.