Local Rehab Investigates Fentanyl vs. Heroin

New Port Richey, FL – Clean Recovery Centers recently released a blog post investigating the differences between fentanyl and heroin. They provide educational tools for the Suncoast communities surrounding substance use disorders.

“Heroin and fentanyl are both opioids and are often used recreationally. They produce euphoric effects followed by drowsiness and dizziness. Heroin is a partially synthetic opioid while fentanyl is fully synthetic. This contributes to their potency and the way they affect the body. Heroin and fentanyl have both contributed to overdose fatalities as well as non-fatal overdose incidents throughout the world,” the post reads.

Fentanyl and heroin do share some similarities. Both substances come in a powder form or liquid when added to water. Methods of use include injecting, swallowing, snorting, and smoking. Both produce the same effects, including dry mouth, flushing of the face and neck, rush of euphoria, nausea, itching, sweating, drowsiness, and nodding in and out of consciousness. It will take less fentanyl to feel these effects than heroin.

Both substances affect the central nervous system and can cause an overdose if too much is taken at once. The body can become dependent on fentanyl and heroin which leads to withdrawal between doses. Withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and can cause poor mental health. It is always best to seek a medical detox for experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

“Although both are opioids, fentanyl and heroin do have differences. Fentanyl is a much stronger opioid, often 50 times more potent than heroin. This makes fentanyl more likely to cause an overdose. In many instances of fentanyl, the person does not know the substance has fentanyl present. There are test strips available to check if a substance has been mixed with fentanyl. However, there are no test strips or methods to test for the presence of heroin. Typically, heroin is not used as a cutting agent whereas fentanyl is commonly seen.

Another key difference between heroin and fentanyl is that heroin is completely illicit. Most fentanyl seen on the streets is also illicit, however, there are prescription versions that are used for chronic pain management. This is typically seen in cancer patients or those recovering from extensive surgery. Prescription fentanyl comes in a variety of forms including lozenges, patches, injectable solutions, and pills. Illicit fentanyl and heroin are not regulated by any government agency, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prescription fentanyl is monitored by doctors, pharmacists, and the FDA to control the amount of prescribing. This helps keep patients safe and reduces the risk of dependence,” the post continues.

Fentanyl and heroin cause two conditions that affect vital systems: hypoxia and hypercarbia. Hypoxia occurs when not enough oxygen is circulating in the blood. This causes organs to fail, leading to damage. Hypercarbia occurs when too much carbon dioxide is present in the blood. Both of these conditions lead to lasting organ damage and possible death. If an overdose of heroin, fentanyl, or both is suspected, call for help immediately.

Clean Recovery Centers understands that no two addiction stories are the same. Their three-phase treatment program works for those living with fentanyl, heroin, or any substance use disorder. Incorporating wellness is a key component of treatment, and they offer brain mapping, nutritional counseling, chiropractic care, and more. They have helped many of their clients to get clean, live clean, and stay clean.

To learn more about Clean Recovery Centers, call (888) 330-2532 or visit their website.