If you are not familiar with the different opioids, you may not yet know all the differences between fentanyl and heroin. They are both opioids, but they have several different properties that may make them very different from the average person. Sometimes, people start with heroin but then switch to fentanyl because it is so much more potent. In other cases, people will accidentally consume fentanyl with their heroin and overdose as a result.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, the heroin addiction rehab at BoardPrep Recovery Center® can help you. Call us now at 866.796.4720 to learn more about how we can treat addictions to both fentanyl and heroin.
What Are the Differences Between Fentanyl and Heroin?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. However, because it is so potent, fentanyl carries a high risk of abuse and overdose.
Heroin is an illegal drug that is also derived from the poppy plant. Like fentanyl, heroin is a powerful opioid that can cause euphoria and a sense of relaxation. However, heroin is even more dangerous than fentanyl because it is not regulated, and its potency can vary greatly. That unpredictability makes it easy for users to overdose accidentally.
One of the main differences between fentanyl and heroin is in how they are administered. Fentanyl is a prescription medication, which means it can only be administered with proper guidance because it has a high risk of overdose and death if used incorrectly. Heroin, on the other hand, is an illegal street drug that can be used in various ways, including smoking, snorting, or injecting it.
Another major difference between fentanyl and heroin is the dosage strength. Fentanyl is much more potent than heroin, which means you may only need to use a small amount of fentanyl to get the same effects as a larger dose of heroin. This can make opioid addiction much more dangerous, as it is easier to accidentally overdose on fentanyl than on heroin.
How Opioids Work
Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for managing pain signals. When these opioids bind to these receptors, they block the pain signals from being sent to the brain. This action not only reduces the perception of pain but can also cause feelings of euphoria. The problem occurs when people begin to abuse these drugs because they can easily become addicted.
Signs of opioid abuse include:
- Frequent mood changes
- Strong cravings for opioids
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug, such as anxiety, depression, and severe aches and pains
If you are struggling with opioid addiction, help is available. Opioids are some of the most addictive drugs out there, and they can be incredibly dangerous when they are misused.
The Dangers of Fentanyl and Heroin
Fentanyl and heroin are both highly addictive drugs that carry a significant risk of overdose. Deaths from fentanyl overdoses tripled between 2016 and 2017, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. In addition to the risk of overdose, abusing fentanyl or heroin can also lead to a number of other serious health problems, including:
- Respiratory depression
- Changes in blood pressure
- Organ damage
- Brain damage
The dangers of fentanyl and heroin are very real and should not be taken lightly. These drugs are highly addictive and can easily lead to overdose.
Find Healing for Opioid Misuse at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
The dangers of fentanyl and heroin are very real and should not be taken lightly. These drugs are highly addictive and can easily lead to overdose. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. BoardPrep Recovery Center® offers several programs designed to help people overcome addiction, including an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a partial hospitalization program (PHP). If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 866.796.4720/
