What Does Fentanyl Smell Like?
Table of Contents
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful prescription opioid derived from morphine, and often marketed under the brand name Duragesic. The drug is very potent, at least fifty times more so than morphine. Fentanyl is typically reserved for cancer patients who receive palliative care in managing extreme pain.
Fentanyl is easily replicated in clandestine labs in foreign countries, which has led to a flood of illicit product in recent years. The drug is manufactured in various forms, such as pills, a spray, gel patch, sublingual film, lollipops, and liquid form. In the past couple of years, rainbow colored fentanyl pills have been designed to target young customers.
What Makes Fentanyl Dangerous
Fentanyl and its copies are being manufactured in other countries and then widely distributed on the streets of the U.S. The fentanyl has shown up in supplies of heroin, cocaine, meth, and opioid analogs. This is why people are asking, “What does fentanyl smell like, taste like, or look like?” The concern is somehow ingesting fentanyl by mistake.
Because of its extreme potency, there is a high risk of overdose when fentanyl is ingested, even the tiniest amount. Fentanyl overdose is an urgent medical emergency that requires immediate intervention with Narcan administration. It may take two or three attempts with Narcan to revive the person.
Also, as an opioid drug, fentanyl is highly addictive. Once someone has felt the euphoric high, the reward system in the brain prompts the user to seek the drug. Fentanyl cravings then lead to drug seeking behavior, and over time this develops into compulsive drug use, and then addiction.
What are the Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose?
A very small amount of fentanyl can result in fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl is 80 times more potent than morphine. If an individual has ingested a lethal dose of fentanyl, they will quickly display signs of toxicity. Signs of fentanyl overdose include:
- Low blood pressure
- Limp body
- Extremely groggy or sleepy
- Difficulty breathing; slowed breathing rate
- Making choking or gurgling sounds
- Pinpoint pupils
- Unable to walk
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish tint on fingernails and lips
- Cognitive impairment
- Slowed heart rate
- Coma
What Does Fentanyl Smell Like?
Fentanyl is a lab-created synthetic compound with no distinct color, smell, or taste. In its pure form it is a fine white or off-white powder, easily blended into or other drugs. This is what has fueled so many overdose deaths, as the user has no idea they are ingesting the potent opioid.
Drug users concerned about ingesting fentanyl by accident wonder, “What does fentanyl smell like?, and “What does fentanyl taste like?” These are valid questions for someone hoping to avoid a lethal outcome.
However, because fentanyl has no real scent, even when smoked, it is impossible to detect its presence by smell. This is even true of the rainbow fentanyl pills that were created to attract young victims. Even though these pills are brightly colored, they have no scent.
How to Detect Fentanyl
In recent years, a new product has emerged to address the problem of fentanyl-tainted drug products. These are small, portable fentanyl test strips, and have already made a significant dent in the number of fentanyl deaths since 2023.
Fentanyl test strips allow users to test a substance before consuming it. They work by a dissolving a small sample of the drug in water, and then inserting the test strip into the liquid. Within minutes, the test strip indicates whether fentanyl is present.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction follows the same type of symptom trajectory as other opioid addictions. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction:
- Increased tolerance, leading to more uptake of the drug
- Plans life around obtaining, using, and recovering from fentanyl
- Attempts to cut back or quit fentanyl fail
- Fentanyl use is prioritized over socializing with friends and family
- Fentanyl addicts ignore their responsibilities and obligations at work or home
- Keeps using fentanyl even though it is causing problems in every aspect of life
- Engages in doctor shopping to get fentanyl prescriptions
- Cravings
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms
Fentanyl Detox and Withdrawal
Recovery begins with completing fentanyl detox. A medical detox team provides medical interventions that help ease the withdrawal symptoms and support the person throughout the detox process. Detox takes about a week to complete on average.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Muscle aches
- Bone and joint pain
- Chills
- Constant yawning
- Tearing eyes
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Fever
- Constant yawning
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Racing heart
- Agitation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intense drug cravings
Rehab Options for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Treatment should begin immediately following the detox and withdrawal, as the person will be very vulnerable to relapse.
Treatment consists of a wide range of therapies, including holistic methods. The goal of treatment is for the individual to engage in behavioral therapies that help them make the needed changes. These are therapies that identify thought and behaviors that have supported addictive actions, and to replace them with healthy ones.
Treatment for fentanyl addiction includes:
- Evidence-based therapies
- Group therapy
- Education
- Life skills
- Medication
- Holistic activities
- 12-step program or similar
- Fitness and nutrition
The level of care needed for a successful recovery outcome depends on the severity of the fentanyl addiction. Another factor that determines level of care is presence of a comorbid mental health disorder, called a dual diagnosis. Residential treatment is the preferred setting for severe addiction and/or dual diagnosis.
Outpatient rehab is another treatment setting to consider. This is best for someone involved in drug abuse but who is not yet addicted to fentanyl. Outpatient provides scheduling flexibility and the person can live at home while in the program.
Bodhi Addiction Treatment & Wellness Provides Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
Bodhi Addiction Treatment & Wellness offers detox support and treatment for individuals grappling with a fentanyl addiction. If you are seeking information about what does fentanyl smell like, you may benefit from rehab. For immediate guidance, please reach out today at (831) 515-1657
