Opioids have been around and in use for over several years. However, those natural opioids are now replaced by man-made drugs such as fentanyl. It is manufactured in labs and is designed to produce similar effects as natural opioids. Fentanyl acts as a painkiller for chronic pain. However, it also holds a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Fentanyl has also been found to share a link with depression. Let’s see how fentanyl is connected to depression and how can it be treated.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain?
As mentioned earlier, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It is mainly prescribed to overcome chronic pain. However, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than other natural opioids like morphine.
Though artificially derived, fentanyl still has similar effects as other opioids. Fentanyl attaches itself to the opioid receptors of the brain and blocks the sensations of pain. This helps you feel relieved for the moment. However, this is not the only effect of fentanyl. It also releases dopamine and results in euphoric effects. These effects are mainly the reason that creates a dependency on the drug.
Hence, as the use of fentanyl continues, the dependency on it also follows. Your brain needs fentanyl to function normally and feel happy. This way, drug use soon turns into an addiction.
The connection between Fentanyl and Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that can be caused by a variety of reasons. It can push you into the worst state of mental and physical health. However, people suffering from fentanyl addiction believe they have combated this issue.
Since fentanyl forces the brain to produce high levels of dopamine, it is misunderstood as a cure for depression. The user feels joyful after consuming fentanyl. Sadly, the rush of emotions fades away as the effect of the drug wears off. This leads the individual to feel depressed again.
The same effect is also often the result of fentanyl withdrawal. As the brain has lost its dopamine booster, it is not used to producing the hormone on its own. This makes the user feel sad and depressed. Such a condition is known as drug-induced depression.
The best way to overcome depression and fentanyl addiction is by undergoing treatments and therapies. You can visit Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston, Texas for the most effective treatments. Call our team today to know more.