When it comes to fentanyl vs heroin, there are similarities but also differences. Both drugs are opioids, which allows them to work as painkillers and cause a euphoric high. Both act quickly, can be lethal in one dose and are very potent. However, fentanyl is fully synthetic and can be 100 times stronger than morphine. You can be addicted after that first high, leading to a need for a fentanyl addiction treatment center in CO.

Fentanyl vs Heroin Facts

Heroin comes from morphine, which itself is a natural substance of the opium poppy. Users typically inject it, smoke it, or snort it. Fentanyl has a different chemical structure from heroin and was originally a pain reliever. Because of its accepted medical use, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance instead of a Schedule I like heroin, which has no medical use.

As an illicit drug, fentanyl is cheaper than heroin and easier to get. It is often used to cut heroin, which can make the dose of heroin deadly if you don’t know what you’re getting. The amount of fentanyl needed for a deadly overdose is many times smaller than a lethal dose of heroin. This is especially true for people who are not opioid-tolerant.

The other issue with fentanyl is that it absorbs into the skin with only incidental contact. Furthermore, more naloxone is usually needed to revive a person overdosing on fentanyl vs heroin.

Fentanyl vs Heroin Symptoms and Effects

Both fentanyl and heroin have similar effects when used. Some side effects include drowsiness, nausea, slow breathing, and dry mouth. The high feels like a euphoric rush, followed by a wave of sleepiness and relaxation. If a user takes a low enough dose of fentanyl, then they can expect these types of symptoms. However, many people overdose and pass out due to the minute amount needed.

Most people do not look for fentanyl purposely on the street. Unfortunately, fentanyl ends up in heroin at unknown dosage amounts. Another issue is people with high opioid tolerance that cannot get the high they desire from heroin. The latter group may purposely seek mixes of heroin and fentanyl to satisfy their cravings.

Fentanyl mixed with heroin can quickly transform a mild opioid addiction into something much more powerful. Not many people have a specific fentanyl addiction. Instead, they have a high opioid tolerance due to using fentanyl and heroin mixed together. 

Fentanyl vs Heroin Treatment

Treatment for both drugs is roughly the same. It usually begins with detox and sometimes includes medication. After the detox, various forms of counseling and therapy are used to counter the addiction. However, it may be harder for those addicted to fentanyl due to the strong impact it has on the brain. 

A fentanyl addiction treatment center in CO like AspenRidge Recovery can help with the more intensive treatment. AspenRidge is located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with a very natural setting. We offer the following programs and services:

• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial hospitalization program
• A 90-day drug rehab program
• Holistic treatment
• Neurofeedback therapy
• Medical detox
• Mental health therapy programs

Don’t let an opioid addiction control your life. Get help to overcome it at a quality drug rehab like Aspen Ridge Recovery. Give us a call today at (855) 281-5588 to find out more about how we can put you on the road to recovery.