Fentanyl Addiction: 5 Things You Need to Know About This Dangerous Opioid

If you’ve been paying attention to the opioid crisis, you’ve heard about fentanyl. It’s been making headlines for all the wrong reasons—overdose deaths, hidden dangers, and a level of potency that makes it one of the most life-threatening substances out there.

But what exactly is fentanyl? How does it work? And why is it causing so much devastation?

It’s sneaky, it’s incredibly potent, and it’s responsible for more overdoses than any other drug in Canada today (Government of Canada, 2024). What’s worse? Most people who overdose on fentanyl don’t even know they’re taking it. Fentanyl isn’t just another drug—it’s one of the deadliest on the streets today.

At the Centre for Health & Healing, we see firsthand how fentanyl addiction can take over a person’s life. But we also know there’s hope. People can and do recover—with the right support.

If you or someone you love is struggling, here are five things you absolutely need to know about fentanyl addiction.

1. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine

Let’s start with the basics: fentanyl is an opioid, just like heroin or prescription painkillers, but with a terrifying twist—it’s incredibly potent.

To put things in perspective, fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine (United States Drug Enforcement, 2024). That means a tiny amount—sometimes as small as a few grains of salt—can be enough to cause an overdose.

Fentanyl was originally made for medical use. Doctors sometimes give it to patients who are in extreme pain—like those recovering from major surgery or going through cancer treatment. When used in a medical setting, under strict supervision and with the right dosage, it can be a powerful tool for pain relief.

However, this extreme potency is what makes fentanyl so deadly. A person using heroin or a counterfeit painkiller laced with fentanyl might think they’re taking their usual dose, but it only takes one mistake to overdose.

And because fentanyl is cheap to make, dealers are mixing it into everything—heroin, cocaine, meth, even pressed pills that look like legitimate prescription medications.

The bottom line? If you’re buying drugs on the street, assume they contain fentanyl.

2. Most overdose deaths today involve Fentanyl

The opioid crisis in Canada is out of control, and fentanyl is the main culprit.

Between January and June 2024, 79% of opioid-related deaths in Canada involved fentanyl (Government of Canada, 2024). That’s a staggering number.

But why are so many people overdosing?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three big reasons:

• People don’t know they’re taking it. Dealers mix fentanyl into other drugs because it’s cheap and addictive, but they rarely warn users. Someone might think they’re using heroin or OxyContin, but what they’re getting is a deadly dose of fentanyl.

• Tolerance builds quickly. Because fentanyl is so powerful, the body adapts fast. Users often need more and more to achieve the same high, which increases the risk of an overdose. And for someone who hasn’t used opioids in a while—like after rehab or a period of sobriety—their tolerance drops, making them even more vulnerable to accidental overdose.

• It works faster than other opioids. Someone who overdoses on fentanyl can stop breathing within seconds to minutes.

What’s heartbreaking? Many of the people who overdose on fentanyl aren’t the stereotypical ‘addict.’ Some are casual users. Some are managing pain. Others had no idea they were even taking an opioid.

3. Fentanyl withdrawal is brutal—but recovery is possible

Quitting fentanyl isn’t about willpower. It’s about surviving one of the worst withdrawal experiences imaginable.

Fentanyl rewires the brain fast. When someone stops using, their body goes into full-scale rebellion. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Extreme muscle pain and spasms
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
• Insomnia and restless legs
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and severe depression

For many, the fear of withdrawal keeps them trapped in addiction. The pain is so unbearable that using it again feels like the only way to survive. The symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours after the last dose and peak within one to three days.

For some, withdrawal symptoms can last weeks or even months in the form of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), leading to lingering anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

The mental battle is just as hard as the physical one. Many people in recovery describe fentanyl withdrawal as feeling like their body and mind are shutting down, making it nearly impossible to function without medical support. This is why detox should always be done in a safe, supervised setting.

But here’s the good news: medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help.

These treatments reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to break free.

If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t try to quit fentanyl alone. Medical support makes all the difference.

4. Narcan (Naloxone) can reverse a Fentanyl overdose—but it’s not always enough

One of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against fentanyl is naloxone, also known by its brand name, Narcan. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of the drug in the brain. In many cases, it can bring someone back from the brink of death.

But with fentanyl, there’s a catch. Because fentanyl is so strong, a single dose of naloxone may not be enough to reverse an overdose. Sometimes, multiple doses are needed.

That’s why it’s crucial for people who use drugs—or those who have loved ones struggling with addiction—to always have naloxone on hand. Many pharmacies and harm reduction programs now provide naloxone without a prescription. If you think someone is overdosing:

1. Call 911 immediately – Even if naloxone works, they still need medical attention.
2. Give naloxone – If you have it, use it as directed.
3. Perform rescue breathing or CPR if needed – Lack of oxygen is what makes opioid overdoses so dangerous.
4. Stay with them until help arrives.

If you or someone you know uses opioids, carry naloxone. It could mean the difference between life and death.

5. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Fentanyl addiction treatment

Fentanyl addiction is complex, and recovery looks different for everyone. There’s no magic formula, no one-size-fits-all approach.

For some, medication-assisted treatment is the key to breaking free. For others, therapy, support groups, and holistic healing play a bigger role. Many people need a combination of all of the above.

At Centres for Health & Healing, we believe that long-term recovery is about more than just quitting drugs. It’s about:

• Healing past trauma
• Rebuilding relationships
• Learning new coping strategies
• Finding a purpose beyond addiction

Whether through inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, counselling, or harm reduction support, what matters is finding the right path for you.

Long-term recovery isn’t just about stopping drug use. It’s about healing the root causes of addiction—whether that’s trauma, chronic pain, mental illness, or emotional struggles. A good treatment plan addresses the whole person, not just the addiction.

A strong recovery program also provides ongoing support, helping individuals rebuild relationships, find purpose, and learn new ways to cope with stress and emotions. Addiction is a chronic condition, and staying sober is a lifelong process.

The road to recovery isn’t easy—but it’s absolutely possible.

Final thoughts: There’s hope—even in the darkness

Fentanyl addiction is scary. It’s deadly. And for those caught in its grip, it can feel impossible to escape.

But recovery is possible. People do break free. They heal. They rebuild their lives. And if you or someone you love is struggling, there’s hope for you too.

You don’t have to do this alone. If you need help, reach out today. Whether you need detox, rehab, therapy, or just someone to talk to—we’re here.

The first step is the hardest. But it’s also the most important.

How Can Centres for Health and Healing Help?

At Centres for Health and Healing, we understand that recovery isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about rebuilding a life. Our compassionate team provides personalized addiction treatment designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

• Medically supervised detox to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal
• Holistic therapies, including mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness
• Individual and group therapy to address emotional and psychological healing
• Long-term aftercare support to help prevent relapse and maintain sobriety

You don’t have to do this alone. If you need help, reach out today. Whether you need detox, rehab, therapy, or just someone to talk to—we’re here. 

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Facts about fentanyl. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Government of Canada. (2024). Canada’s overdose crisis and the toxic illegal drug supply.
• Government of Canada. (2024). Opioid- and stimulant-related harms in Canada. Health Infobase.
• Luba, R., Jones, J., Choi, C. J., & Comer, S. (2023). Fentanyl withdrawal: Understanding symptom severity and exploring the role of body mass index on withdrawal symptoms and clearance. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 118(4), 719–726.
• NIDA. 2022, January 11. Naloxone DrugFacts. United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (n.d.). Fentanyl.