If you have watched the news lately or been to a doctor for a chronic pain condition there is a good chance that you have heard of the drug Fentanyl or the Fentanyl patch. The simple answer to the question what is fentanyl is Fentanyl is a narcotic painkiller useful in treatment severe pain caused by a variety of disorders. Unfortunately, the simple answer is no always the best answer. In order to know exactly what Fentanyl is, you have to look a little deeper.
What is Fentanyl Made of?
Fentanyl is a synthetic replica of the serum derived from the opium poppy. The main chemicals in Fentanyl are N-Phenyl-N-Propenamide. In simpler terms, Fentanyl is a man made opiate similar to morphine and oxycodone. The difference is, like most synthetics, Fentanyl is much stronger than traditional opiate medications. Some report it as up to 50 times stronger than morphine. It is one of the strongest prescription painkillers on the market. It is available only to those who experience severe chronic pain and are not helped by other more traditional medications. As a synthetic Fentanyl has some unique properties and problems.
Who Uses Fentanyl Legally?
Fentanyl is only prescribed for those who are in very severe pain. The most common of which are people who are suffering from end of life illnesses involving pain. This means end stage cancer, end stage traumatic injuries, and other life ending events. This is the only time that Fentanyl is legally prescribed. It is one of the strongest most addictive painkillers in production today.
Who Uses Fentanyl Illegally?
Like with any of the opiate type drugs, Fentanyl is highly addictive and gives you an intense high if you choose to use it without the presence of chronic pain. Many people begin using Fentanyl illegally just to get high and find themselves with an almost unstoppable opiate addiction.
Where do People get Fentanyl?
Some people get Fentanyl through perfectly legitimate prescriptions from their oncologist or pain management doctor. These are legal legitimate prescriptions. People who use Fentanyl illegally obtain it from dealers, crooked doctors, by stealing it from legitimate people, and illegal manufacturers.
A word about illegal manufacturers, the illegal manufacturing of Fentanyl is a million dollar business. Unfortunately, that does not make it safe. Those that manufacture Fentanyl illegally cut corners to cut cost. They also cut the medication with a variety of other substances. This makes illegally produced Fentanyl very dangerous and often deadly. Illegally manufactured Fentanyl is one of the biggest reasons for overdose deaths, including the death of the popular rock musician Prince.
Why People use Fentanyl?
People use Fentanyl illegally due to the very strong euphoric feeling they get from it. It is a very dangerous drug under the best of circumstances. It is incredibly addictive and very difficult to stop using once you start. It is best not to start using Fentanyl but if you are addicted, treatment is available.
There are replacement medications for Fentanyl addiction as well as hundred of treatment centers across the country. If you or a loved one is addicted to Fentanyl, it is important to seek treatment immediately before it is too late.
