While both are highly addictive substances, there are nuances between heroin and fentanyl. Heroin comes from morphine, a natural byproduct of opium poppy plant seeds. Heroin binds to the opioid centers of the brain and interferes with normal brain chemistry. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid product that tries to mimic the feeling of morphine. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It assists with treating moderate to severe pain, particularly postoperative pain. When used outside a medical context, fentanyl’s high potency quickly turns lethal.
At Texas Recovery Center, therapists are well-versed in fentanyl, heroin, and addiction dangers. Our opioid and heroin addiction treatment program can help alleviate dependency on these powerful substances.
Dangers of Fentanyl and Heroin
Fentanyl and heroin are potent, fast-acting, and can kill in a single dose. Whether natural or manufactured, these drugs are dangerous. To an addict, however, the dangers of opioid or polysubstance abuse hide behind the growing dependency on the rush.
- Both substances are highly addictive – Fentanyl and heroin can become hard to resist. They bind to the opioid centers of the brain, releasing a dopamine rush. The brain becomes addicted, and any lesser levels of dopamine can trigger withdrawal. Interrupting the body’s natural chemical processes means an unnatural dependency on the drugs that mimic them.
- Craving higher levels of the drug – As your brain develops a tolerance, it requires more of the substance to feel an effect. Side effects include many mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that can devastate lives.
- Loss of relationships and support systems – Opioid abuse is an isolating and consuming process that can ruin support systems and interpersonal relationships. Mental and physical reliance on drugs impacts connections with families, loved ones, and children.
- Rapid overdose – Absorbed through the skin and casual contact, fentanyl can be about 100 times more potent than morphine when manufactured in unregulated labs. The highly addictive nature of heroin and fentanyl impacts the brain’s ability to function without them—the fast-acting effects of each impact rational decisions around the restraint.
Finding Help for Opioid and Polysubstance Abuse
Signs and symptoms of addiction are tough to grapple with, but recognizing and acknowledging opioid and polysubstance abuse is imperative to getting help. Here are some signs that you may be addicted to opioids or other substances:
- Feeling unable to control your use of opioids or other substances, despite harmful consequences
- Continuing using opioids or other substances even though it’s causing problems in your life
- Your tolerance for opioids or other substances has increased, and you need more to get the same effect
- You’ve tried to cut back on your use of opioids or other substances but have been unsuccessful
- You spend a lot of time using opioids or other substances, obtaining them, or recovering from their effects
- Using opioids or other substances is interfering with your work, school, or home life
- You’ve given up important activities to use opioids or other substances
- You’re using opioids or other substances in situations where it’s dangerous to do so
- You continue to use opioids or other substances despite physical or psychological problems caused by their use
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, reach out to Texas Recovery Center to better understand our evidence-based treatment programs that could help you with your recovery.
Texas Recovery Center: A Heroin Addiction Treatment Program That Can Heal
Texas Recovery Center treats both fentanyl and heroin addiction. If you or a loved one are coping with opioid or polysubstance abuse, ask about our heroin addiction programs. Our positive, results-oriented approach involves a wealth of experience in treating addiction and tools that restore a more natural balance of mind, body, and spirit.
From long-term addiction treatment, inpatient programs, and alumni programs following rehabilitation, Texas Recovery Center offers support every step of the way to recovery. Integrating holistic programs like equine therapy, nutritional counseling, and creative outlets enhance restorative practices by stimulating naturally-occurring pleasure centers of the brain.
Texas Recovery Center can help those who’ve had relapses or experienced challenges in shorter treatment programs. Call us at 844.230.5931 to start the healing process.
