Heroin and fentanyl are dangerous, addictive drugs. People who use either of these potent substances may quickly develop an addiction. Heroin and fentanyl use puts people at risk of a lethal overdose and many other serious, life-threatening problems. These drugs are involved in tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States.

However, there are some critical differences between heroin and fentanyl. It is important to understand the effects and risks of each drug so that you can seek treatment when necessary.

This article will outline the effects and risks of heroin and fentanyl.

If you or a loved one struggles with heroin or fentanyl abuse, you are not alone. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our programs or schedule an intake evaluation.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an illegal drug derived from morphine, which comes from the opium poppy plant. It is more potent than morphine and highly addictive. Heroin works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors release dopamine, a brain chemical involved in reward and pleasure.[1,2]

When people use heroin, they typically experience a rush of intense pleasure, warmth, and well-being. When the pleasurable effects wear off, people may feel compelled to use more.

Heavy or repeated heroin use can lead to tolerance. Tolerance occurs when a person’s body gets used to a certain amount of a drug. People with tolerance need to use larger doses of a substance to get the desired effects.

Over a short period of abuse, people can develop physical dependence on heroin. Once someone develops dependence, it can be nearly impossible to stop using heroin without significant support and treatment.

The Effects and Risks of Heroin

Abusing heroin is very dangerous. People can develop heroin addiction very quickly. Heroin abuse can cause unwanted short and long-term effects.

Short-term effects of heroin

• Nausea and vomiting
• Slow breathing
• Constricted pupils
• Low body temperature
• Slow heart rate
• Confusion
• Bluish lips, hands, and skin
• Itching
• Sensitivity to light

Long-term effects of heroin

• Scabs, wounds, and scars from excessive scratching
• Poor appetite leading to weight loss and malnutrition
• Damaged teeth and gums
• Impaired immune system
• Heart valve infections
• Liver damage
• Kidney disease
• Bacterial infections
• Abscesses
• Insomnia
• Weakness
• Decreased sexual functioning
• Chronic constipation

Heroin abuse can also spiral into legal, financial, and social problems. People who use heroin must receive comprehensive detox and treatment services as soon as possible.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. Doctors may prescribe fentanyl to patients living with moderate to severe pain.[3] In a medical setting, fentanyl is available in several forms, including:

• Lozenges
• Lollipops
• Liquid
• Patches
• Pills

People may take fentanyl to manage pain during chemotherapy, after surgery, or for other types of severe pain.

Abuse of this commonly prescribed opioid is at the heart of our country’s ongoing opioid crisis. Each year, tens of thousands of people lose their lives to an opioid overdose involving fentanyl.

Fentanyl is not an illicit drug like heroin, cocaine, or meth. However, people who abuse fentanyl may misuse prescription pills or buy illegally manufactured pills on the street.

Fentanyl is incredibly dangerous. Some reports show that it is 50 times more potent than heroin.[4] Others say it may be as much as 100 times more potent than heroin.

What is clear is that tiny amounts of fentanyl can be lethal. Accidental overdoses are very common with fentanyl abuse. People who use other drugs, like heroin, meth, or cocaine, may also accidentally ingest a lethal amount of fentanyl in tainted drugs.

The Risks of Fentanyl

One of the most significant risks of abusing fentanyl is the risk of overdose. Tiny doses of fentanyl can be life-threatening. It is essential to know the signs of an overdose and take immediate action if you see them.

Signs of an overdose of opioids include:

• Shallow, slow, or stopped breathing
• Limp limbs
• Cold, clammy skin
• Grayish or blue skin
• Constricted (small) pupils
• Blue lips or nails
• Unresponsiveness
• Slurred speech
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Vomiting

If you notice these signs, call 911 right away. If you have Narcan (naloxone), administer it. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Heroin vs. Fentanyl: Assessing the Differences

Heroin and fentanyl are both highly addictive opioids. However, there are some differences between these drugs, including:

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which heroin is not.
• Fentanyl is much more potent than heroin.
• Fentanyl is a prescription opioid. Heroin is an illegal drug.
• Fentanyl is lethal in very small doses.

Using heroin or fentanyl can be very dangerous. If you or someone you love struggles with heroin or fentanyl abuse or addiction, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Treatment for opioid addiction can be challenging, but it can also save your life. Get the support and treatment you need to recover so that you can work toward a healthier future.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with heroin or fentanyl abuse, you are not alone. Treatment and support are available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact us today to get started toward lifelong recovery.

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Heroin
2. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Heroin
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is Fentanyl?
4. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Fentanyl