Recognizing the Signs of Fentanyl Addiction in a Family Member

Fentanyl addiction is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by compulsive use and dependence on the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent pain reliever prescribed for severe pain symptoms, but it is also illegally trafficked, manufactured, and distributed, contributing to rising rates of addiction and overdose. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there were 80,411 opioid overdose1 deaths in 2021. Fentanyl is extremely powerful; a dose as light as a snowflake2 is enough to cause a potentially fatal overdose in the average person.

Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction in a loved one is a crucial first step toward providing the support they need. Learn more about the key signs and symptoms, helping you navigate the challenging terrain of supporting a loved one with a substance use problem.

How Does Fentanyl Addiction Happen?Addiction is a complex process that typically begins with voluntary substance use, leading to changes in the brain's reward system. Addiction to an opioid is officially diagnosed as an opioid use disorder because of the way it can lead to a disorder in a person's life that affects mental and physical health.

Continuous use may result in tolerance, requiring higher and higher doses for the same effects, and neurochemical alterations in the brain. Loss of control, both physically and psychologically, ensues, accompanied by cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. In many cases, people who recognize that they have a serious problem and would like to stop cannot do so without help.

How to Recognize Fentanyl Addiction in a Family MemberAddiction is a progressive disease. People close to you may hide that they have a problem for a short time, but it will eventually become apparent. 

Recognizing fentanyl addiction in a family member requires careful observation of behavioral, physical, and emotional changes. 

Mental and emotional symptoms include:

• Sudden mood swings
  
• Social withdrawal
  
• Changes in friend groups
  
• Restlessness
  
• Hiding drugs 
  
• Irritability
  
• Loss of interest in other activities
  

Physical symptoms include:

• Pinpoint pupils 
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Strange sleep patterns
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Flu-like withdrawal symptoms
  

Keep an eye on personal hygiene and grooming habits. Neglect of routine hygiene practices may indicate a mental health or substance use disorder. Frequent doctor shopping, secretive behavior, or financial issues might suggest attempts to obtain the drug. 

If you notice a combination of these indicators, it's essential to approach your family member with compassion and seek professional support for a comprehensive assessment.

What to Do if You Suspect Fentanyl Addiction in a Loved OneOnce you notice the signs of an opioid or fentanyl addiction, the difficult part begins. Confronting a loved one about an addiction is uncomfortable, but it's important to note that addiction is treatable, and early treatment is always better. 

Different people respond to different approaches when they are confronted with a substance use issue, but denial is very common. It may take time and patience to convince a person that they have a problem. In some cases, intervention counselors can help guide you through the process of addressing a substance use disorder in a family member. 

If you've confronted your loved one and they aren't ready to seek help, it's important to avoid behavior that can prolong or worsen their substance use problem–often called enabling. Avoiding enabling behavior when a loved one has a substance use problem is essential for their recovery. Here are some strategies:

• Set Clear Boundaries. Establish and communicate clear boundaries regarding what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. For instance, you may make it clear that you will not allow fentanyl in your house. Stick to consistent consequences when boundaries are crossed.
  
• Avoid Financial Support. Refrain from providing money or resources that could be used to obtain substances. Instead, clarify that you will offer help and support in seeking recovery or treatment options.
  
• Encourage Treatment. Advocate for and support seeking professional help or attending support groups. Offer assistance in finding suitable treatment options. Educate yourself on the available options.
  
• Promote Responsibility. Encourage accountability for one's actions. Avoid making excuses for the person's behavior and promote a sense of responsibility.
  
• Let Natural Consequences Occur. Allow natural consequences to happen as a result of the person's actions. Shielding them from consequences can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. Don't lie to cover behavior caused by addiction or bail your loved one out of consequences like workplace or legal issues.
  

Some of these strategies are more difficult than they sound. You may want to shield your loved one from any consequences that you can, but making active addiction easier will likely do more harm than good. 

Seeking Recovery ProgramsSeeking guidance from medical professionals and support groups for families dealing with substance use issues can provide additional insights and coping strategies. Severe substance use disorder may require medical detoxification, but that's usually not enough. 

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects your brain, and relapse is common. Support that helps addicted people cope with drug cravings and the countless potential consequences of addiction, like legal problems, mental health problems, and spiritual issues, is essential. 

Addiction is also a disease that takes a toll on both body and soul. Christ-centered spiritual healing is the foundation of a transformational recovery. If you are seeking fentanyl addiction recovery for yourself or a loved one, learn more about the 90-day program at Wings of Life.

Sources

1. NIDA. (2023, September 25). Drug overdose death rates. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates 
   
2. DEA. (n.d.). Facts about fentanyl. https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl ​