Types of addiction · Opioid
Fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid so powerful that a tiny amount can be fatal, and it now shows up in many street drugs without the user ever knowing. If fentanyl is part of your story, getting help quickly can save your life, and recovery is possible.
Also known as: fent, fenty
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is many times stronger than heroin or morphine. It has legitimate medical uses for severe pain, but illegally made fentanyl has flooded the drug supply, and is now a leading cause of overdose deaths.
Because it is so potent, fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs, including counterfeit pills, heroin, and cocaine. Many people are exposed to it without realizing it, which is what makes it so dangerous.
Signs of fentanyl addiction
- Drowsiness, nodding off, or slowed breathing
- Needing more to feel the same effect
- Intense cravings and preoccupation with the next dose
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
- Pulling away from family, work, and responsibilities
- Counterfeit pills, powders, or drug paraphernalia
- Being unable to stop despite the danger
Overdose risk
Fentanyl's strength makes overdose frighteningly easy. Signs of an opioid overdose include very slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, limpness, and being unresponsive. It is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately, and use naloxone (Narcan) if it is available. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
Withdrawal and detox
Fentanyl creates strong physical dependence, and withdrawal, though rarely life-threatening, is intensely painful: muscle and bone aches, sweating and chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and severe cravings. Medical detox makes this stage safer and far more bearable, and it is the right first step, not something to face alone.
Fentanyl treatment at Renaissance Ranch
At Renaissance Ranch, we treat fentanyl and other opioid addiction with medical detox on site at our Bluffdale, Utah residential facility, followed by clinically proven therapy and a faith-centered, 12-Step approach.
Our team, many in long-term recovery themselves, helps each man get safely through withdrawal, reach the causes underneath the addiction, and build a life worth staying sober for, with lifelong support through our Band of Brothers alumni network.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available right now. Call (855) 736-7262 any time, or explore our treatment programs.
This page is for education and general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from a licensed clinician.
If you or someone else is overdosing or in immediate danger, call 911. For an opioid overdose, use naloxone (Narcan) if it is available and call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 in the U.S.
To talk about treatment at Renaissance Ranch, call (855) 736-7262 any time.
Straight answers
Questions about fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid many times stronger than heroin or morphine, so a tiny amount can be fatal. Illegally made fentanyl is also mixed into counterfeit pills, heroin, and cocaine, and many people are exposed to it without knowing.
Drowsiness, nodding off, or slowed breathing, needing more to feel the same effect, intense cravings and preoccupation with the next dose, withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop, pulling away from family and work, counterfeit pills or powders, and being unable to stop despite the danger.
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Watch for very slow or stopped breathing, blue or gray lips and fingertips, pinpoint pupils, limpness, and someone who cannot be woken. Call 911 right away and give naloxone (Narcan) if it is available. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose.
Fentanyl withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, but it is intensely painful: muscle and bone aches, sweating and chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and severe cravings. Medical detox makes this stage safer and far more bearable, and it is the right first step rather than something to face alone.
Treatment starts with on-site medical detox at our Bluffdale, Utah residential facility, followed by clinically proven therapy and a faith-centered, 12-Step approach we have used to help men recover for more than 25 years. Our team, many in long-term recovery themselves, helps each man get safely through withdrawal, reach the causes underneath the addiction, and build a life worth staying sober for. After treatment, our Band of Brothers alumni network keeps that support going.
Call (855) 736-7262 any time, day or night. The call is free and confidential, and we can verify your insurance at no cost.
You can recover
Recovery from fentanyl addiction is possible.
Every call is free, confidential, and answered 24/7 by people who have walked this road themselves.