Heroin and fentanyl are both potent, dangerous drugs. Both drugs have the potential for addiction, overdose, and other life-threatening complications. Together, these drugs were involved in 81,806 drug overdose deaths throughout the United States in 2022.[1]
However, there are crucial differences between heroin and fentanyl. Understanding these differences can help you understand the risks of these drugs and seek treatment if needed.
This article will explore the differences between heroin and fentanyl. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of heroin
- The effects and dangers of fentanyl
- The differences between these drugs
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and support in recovery
If you or someone you love struggles with heroin or fentanyl abuse, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible. Reach out to the specialists at The Best Treatment to explore our treatment and recovery support programs.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an illicit drug derived from morphine. Morphine comes from the opium poppy plant. Heroin is more potent than morphine and has a high risk of abuse.[2] People who use heroin may quickly become addicted to it.
Users typically snort, smoke, or inject heroin. Heroin reaches the brain and binds to opioid receptors. The effects of heroin begin quickly. Users experience a rush of warmth and pleasure called euphoria. They may feel relaxed, calm, or sleepy.
The pleasurable effects of heroin can make people want to use more of it. Heavy heroin use can cause people to develop tolerance, meaning they require higher doses to get the desired effects. This can lead to heavy, repeated abuse.
Heavy or repeated heroin use can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it nearly impossible for someone to stop using heroin without significant treatment and support.
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Heroin
Heroin abuse is very hazardous. Using heroin can cause dangerous short and long-term effects. Some of the short-term effects of heroin include:[2]
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Constricted (small) pupils
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching
- Sensitivity to light
- Bluish skin, lips, or hands
- Slow heart rate
- Reduced body temperature
Long-term effects of heroin include:
- Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
- Heart valve infections
- Kidney and liver problems
- Insomnia
- Impaired immunity
- Tooth and gum damage
- Scabs and scarring from skin wounds
- Collapsed veins
- Bacterial infections
Heroin users are at risk of opioid overdose. It is critical to seek treatment as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of overdose and death from heroin abuse.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug. Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to help patients manage moderate to severe pain. In a medical setting, fentanyl is available in several forms, including:[3]
- Patches
- Pills
- Lozenges
- Lollipops
- Liquid
- Nasal spray
People may take fentanyl after surgery, during chemotherapy, and for other medical purposes. Doctors typically limit the use of prescription opioids and semi-synthetic opioids because these drugs have a high risk of abuse and addiction.
While prescription fentanyl is not an illegal drug, it is hazardous. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. Tiny amounts of fentanyl can be lethal. Abusing prescription fentanyl puts people at extreme risk of a deadly overdose.
Drug dealers manufacture and sell illicit fentanyl on the street. Most fentanyl sold illegally comes in the form of pills. However, dealers may add powdered fentanyl to other drugs like cocaine or heroin.[4]
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Fentanyl
Fentanyl abuse is a severe problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings about the public health opioid crisis. Tens of thousands of overdose deaths involved fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Many deaths involving synthetic opioids include illicitly manufactured fentanyl sold on the street.
Signs of an opioid overdose include:[5]
- Limp arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Gray or blue skin
- Slurred speech
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Unresponsiveness
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Vomiting
If someone near you is exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose, call 911 right away. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if it is available. Remain with the person until help arrives.
Many people begin their addiction to fentanyl after becoming dependent on prescription drugs. It is essential to understand the risk of fentanyl abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible to avoid deadly overdose and other complications.
Heroin vs Fentanyl: What are the Differences?
While heroin and fentanyl are both dangerous drugs, there are some critical differences between these drugs. Here is an overview of some of the most significant differences:
- Fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin, making it lethal in tiny doses.
- Fentanyl is a prescription opioid drug. Heroin is an illegal street drug.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Heroin is not.
Heroin and fentanyl abuse can be life-threatening. If you or someone you love abuses heroin, fentanyl, or other opioids, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible. Comprehensive treatment can help you safely stop using opioids and learn to prevent relapse for the rest of your life.
Find Treatment Now
Reach out to the specialists at The Best Treatment to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Don’t wait another day for the life-saving treatment you need. Start your recovery journey today by contacting us to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and Figures
- NIDA: Heroin
- NIDA: Fentanyl
- American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM): Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl Use Among Individuals in the U.S., 2022
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Overdose
