Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid that has become a major contributor in the overdose epidemic. Like other opioids, fentanyl causes dependence and can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. Learning to identify fentanyl withdrawal can help you get the right help to safely detox.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid medication that helps manage severe pain. It’s often prescribed following surgery or to treat chronic pain, but it’s also classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States because of its high potential for addiction and the risk of overdose. Fentanyl is roughly 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Fentanyl brand names include Actiq, Fentora, and Duragesic, which doctors prescribe in pill form, as a liquid, or as a transdermal patch. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has flooded the illegal drug market. It’s often mixed with heroin, cocaine or pressed into counterfeit prescription pills. Even small amounts can lead to overdose due to its extreme potency. Unfortunately, new mixtures containing isotonitazene, an extremely powerful opioid, and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer are making fentanyl overdoses an even bigger problem.

If you don’t know that the heroin you bought has been cut with fentanyl, you’d likely use your regular dose of heroin. A much smaller amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose because it’s so strong. You can easily go into respiratory distress because your body is unable to process fentanyl as quickly as it does other drugs.

In the US, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl increased over 15-fold from 2013 to 2019. Fentanyl and similar synthetics contribute to the most overdose fatalities today.

Why Do Opioids Cause Withdrawal?

Opioids like fentanyl bind to and activate opioid receptors in the brain that control pain, mood, and reward pathways. This provides pain relief and euphoria. With ongoing use, the brain adapts by reducing natural opioid receptor activity and production. This leads to tolerance, dependence, and opioid addiction. 

Stopping opioids abruptly then leads to a neurochemical imbalance as the brain is no longer producing enough natural opioids. Opioid withdrawal symptoms emerge as the body attempts to re-balance itself in the absence of the drug. These symptoms can be extremely unpleasant but are not directly life-threatening.

What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Fentanyl withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but it’s generally not life-threatening. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on factors like how dependent you are on fentanyl, how long you’ve used it, and your overall health.

Fentanyl withdrawal involves both physical and psychological symptoms that typically start within 12-24 hours after last use. They peak around days 2-3 and can last about a week or more.

Common physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches, stomach cramps, nausea
• Trembling, chills, goosebumps
• Dilated pupils, runny nose, sweating
• Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure

Common psychological withdrawal symptoms include:

• Drug cravings and anxieties
• Irritability, agitation, trouble sleeping
• Depression, lack of motivation
• Trouble concentrating

Fentanyl withdrawal is highly uncomfortable but generally not medically dangerous. However, some symptoms like dehydration, racing heart rate, and lack of sleep can complicate matters.

In a world where various chemical substances are readily available, it’s important to understand the potential risks and consequences of combining them. One such pairing that’s gained attention in recent years is the combination of Xanax and weed. While some might view it as a way to unwind or cope with stress, it’s crucial to explore the effects of mixing these two substances. Can you mix weed and Xanax safely? It’s a question that many who struggle with drug addiction are asking themselves.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a medication that falls under the category of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and panic disorders. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which results in a calming effect.

Xanax is available in various forms, including tablets and extended-release capsules. The tablets come in different strengths, and their shape, color, and markings can vary depending on the manufacturer. Xanax is also known by several slang terms on the streets, such as “bars” or “zanies,” often referring to the rectangular shape of the tablets.

How Common Are Xanax Prescriptions?

Xanax is typically prescribed by medical professionals, such as doctors and psychiatrists. In fact, it’s the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medication in the U.S. and mainly used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. These healthcare providers assess the patient’s condition and determine which medication is an appropriate treatment option.

It’s essential to have a prescription for Xanax, as self-medication or obtaining it from unofficial sources can lead to misuse and harm. When used as prescribed, Xanax can be a valuable tool for individuals who have a lot of worry, fear, and stress that significantly impair their daily functioning. Xanax may help manage these symptoms by making you feel a sense of relaxation.

What Is Weed?

Weed, also known as marijuana, is a substance with a long history of use for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It’s a plant known scientifically as Cannabis sativa, containing various compounds, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use.

Marijuana is used by a wide range of individuals. Some use it recreationally to unwind, socialize, or experience altered states of consciousness. Others turn to marijuana for its potential medicinal benefits, such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anxiety management. People ingest weed in many ways including:

• Smoking smoked in joints (like a cigarette), blunts (filled in cigar wrappers), or in bongs (pipes or water pipes)
• Mixed or infused into drinks and foods like cookies, cakes, or brownies (called edibles)
• Vaping (using vaporizers)
• Infused for drops under the tongue (tinctures or sprays)

Marijuana goes by a lot of names, including cannabis, pot, herb, bud, ganja, Mary Jane, and more. The diversity of terms reflects the rich history and cultural significance of the marijuana plant in various regions and communities.

Weed is Now Legal in Most States

The legal status of marijuana varies significantly from one location to another. Some countries and states have legalized marijuana for recreational and medicinal use, while others maintain strict prohibition. As of April 2023, 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products. As of June 2023, 23 states, two territories and the District of Columbia have enacted measures to regulate cannabis for adult non-medical use. You must continue to stay aware of the laws and regulations in your specific area regarding marijuana use and possession.

MDMA, often referred to as “molly” or “ecstasy,” is a recreational drug known for its euphoric and empathetic effects. In recent years, MDMA has gained popularity, and many people are curious about its effects, usage, and safety. One of the critical aspects of using this substance responsibly is understanding how long a dosage of MDMA lasts and its potential for substance abuse.

What Is MDMA? 

MDMA, scientifically known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug initially developed in the early 20th century for potential medical use. However, it soon found its way into the world of recreational drug use due to its pleasurable effects.

MDMA has a long history of use, with roots in the 1970s counterculture and the club scene. Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 0.8% (or about 2.2 million people) reported using MDMA in the past 12 months. Over 19 million people in the United States have reported using MDMA at least once in their lifetime, and its popularity continues to grow.

MDMA is often associated with parties, music festivals, and nightclubs. Users typically take it to enhance their sensory experiences, promote feelings of intimacy and emotional connection, and enjoy an energetic and sociable mood. It’s essential to note that not everyone who uses MDMA does so for recreational purposes. Some individuals may use it for self-medication or as a form of escape.

It’s important to be aware that MDMA is illegal in most countries due to its potential for abuse and harm. It’s classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. It’s created illicit laboratories by combining various chemicals like safrole, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. The end product can take various forms, including MDMA pills, capsules, or powders that are often sold in colorful and creatively designed packaging.

What Effect Does MDMA Have?

When someone takes MDMA, the drug quickly enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it affects neurotransmitters responsible for mood and pleasure. The initial “peak” of MDMA’s effects typically occurs around an hour after ingestion and is experienced as feelings of heightened energy, euphoria, increased sensory perception, and enhanced empathy.

This rush of pleasurable sensations, increased sociability, and enhanced sensory perception. Users often report feeling more connected to others and an overwhelming sense of happiness. The rush of pleasurable sensations usually peaks within a few hours. After which, the effects of ecstasy begin to subside.

Long-term usage can result in negative effects, as the brain becomes less responsive to the drug’s effects. This can lead to a cycle of increased use, which can be harmful both physically and mentally.

While molly isn’t typically associated with physical dependence in the same way as drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines, psychological dependence or addiction can still occur. Many users may abuse the drug to experience feelings of happiness and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between amphetamine vs methamphetamine, you’re not alone. These two substances are often the subject of confusion and misconception. Whether you’re a curious individual or someone seeking to understand these drugs better for personal or professional reasons, we’ve got you covered.

What Are Stimulants?

Stimulants are a class of drugs that affect the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. They’re known to boost mood, elevate alertness, and even enhance cognitive performance. Stimulants can come in various forms, from prescription medications to illicit substances.

As the name implies, stimulants “stimulate” the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling mood, attention, and energy levels. When stimulants are ingested, they increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, resulting in heightened alertness, improved focus, and a sense of increased energy.

Common stimulants include:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Methamphetamines

Research shows that stimulant drugs are widely used, both legally and illegally. For instance:

• In a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, 6.6% (annual average) of U.S. adults used prescription stimulants overall, with 4.5% using them without misuse
• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 16.9 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using prescription stimulants non-medically in 2019.