Definition:
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Opioids are depressants, and interact with opioid receptors in the brain, eliciting a range of responses within the body from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment. Like all opiates, this drug is highly addictive, and causes physical dependence, which leads to severe withdrawal when a person attempts to discontinue use.
Fentanyl has powerful opioid properties and is diverted for abuse as a result of this. It is often added to heroin to increase its potency, or simply disguised as highly potent heroin. Many addicts believe that they are purchasing heroin, don’t know that they are purchasing Fentanyl, and overdose as a result.
Pharmaceutical Fentanyl is a controlled substance and was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin.
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