Fentanyl
OpioidsAlso known as: Fent, Apache, China Girl, Dance Fever, Goodfella
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All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2025
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Call Helpline: (914) 594-5851What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid originally developed for pain management and anesthesia. It is approximately 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Illicit fentanyl has become a major public health crisis, often mixed with other drugs without users' knowledge, leading to overdose deaths.
Effects
Extreme euphoria, drowsiness, sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, nausea, constipation
Risks & Dangers
Fatal overdose (even in tiny amounts), respiratory arrest, unconsciousness, coma, death. Extremely high risk when combined with other depressants. Many overdose deaths involve fentanyl mixed with other substances.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, severe anxiety, intense cravings. Medical supervision essential for withdrawal.
Addiction Potential
Extremely High - Fentanyl is exceptionally addictive. Physical dependence develops rapidly.
Duration
Effects last 30-90 minutes, shorter than other opioids
Legal Status
Schedule II controlled substance in the US. Illegal to possess without prescription.
Alcohol Interaction Warning
Mixing Fentanyl with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Combining substances increases the risk of:
- • Respiratory depression and overdose
- • Unpredictable effects and loss of consciousness
- • Increased toxicity to liver and other organs
- • Impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors
Learn more about alcohol use disorder and polysubstance use.
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Published: July 15, 2024 • Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Medically reviewed drug information for educational purposes
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