Fentanyl Addiction Hotline

Fentanyl is a strong prescription pain medication that is used to treat severe pain in cancer patients and postsurgical patients. It is a synthetic (lab-made) opioid drug that resembles the naturally-occurring opioid morphine in chemical structure. But fentanyl is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine. ^{[1] [2]}

Fentanyl is also made and sold illegally. This drug is commonly abused for its euphoric effects. Street names for fentanyl include China White, China Girl, Jackpot, Goodfellas, Apache, Dance Fever, Tango and Cash, and Murder 8.

Fentanyl abuse has serious health consequences, including a potentially fatal overdose. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (similar drugs) were the main drivers of the 12-fold increase in drug overdose deaths in the US from 2012 to 2018. In 2021, approximately 70,600 drug overdose deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids (mainly fentanyl), accounting for two-thirds of the total drug overdose deaths (106,000) in 2021. ^[3]

If you or a loved one has developed an addiction to fentanyl, do not delay getting help. Calling a fentanyl hotline is a good first step towards recovery from fentanyl addiction.

What Is a Fentanyl Hotline?

A fentanyl hotline is a telephone number that provides free information about fentanyl abuse and addiction to individuals and families battling this condition. Calls to our helpline are free of charge. You do not need health insurance to call and obtain information.

When you call the National Drug Helpline, complete privacy and confidentiality is assured. Even if you have been obtaining fentanyl from street dealers, you will not get into trouble with the law for calling us.

Our fentanyl helpline operates 24/7/365, so you can call at your convenience, any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays. During the call, you can obtain support, guidance, and advice about overcoming fentanyl abuse and addiction. Trained and experienced advisors are available to answer all your questions and give you useful information about fentanyl addiction treatment programs nearby. It is worth noting that you are not obliged to begin fentanyl rehab after calling our hotline. The decision on if and when to start treatment is completely up to you.

Think of our drug hotline as a helpful, knowledgeable, non-judgmental friend who can give you good advice. Even if you’re not quite ready to begin rehab, calling the fentanyl helpline can give you the mental clarity to decide what to do next.

If you or a loved one is battling fentanyl addiction, do not hesitate to call the 24/7, free, confidential fentanyl helpline on (844) 289-0879^ℹ .

What Should I Say When I Call a Fentanyl Hotline?

There continues to be a stigma attached to drug use, including fentanyl use. As a result, many people are hesitant to talk to their friends and family members about their addiction. A hotline is like having a sensible friend who gives you good advice and helps you find resources or simply listens to your concerns.

It can be frightening to call a drug helpline for the first time. But rest assured it won’t be as overwhelming as it feels. The trained advisors who answer your call are compassionate and helpful and will help you feel at ease. If you’re not sure what to ask when you call the fentanyl hotline, here are some of the most common questions people ask:

• What are the symptoms of fentanyl addiction?
• How do I know if my loved one is abusing fentanyl?
• What are the health effects of fentanyl abuse?
• How can I prevent a fentanyl overdose?
• Are there any fentanyl addiction treatment programs near me?
• Will insurance cover the cost of fentanyl rehab?
• What can I do to prevent fentanyl addiction?

No question is out of bounds. Feel free to discuss whatever is on your mind, without fear of judgment or disapproval.

Fentanyl Hotlines

Please note, fentanyl hotlines are not for emergencies. If you are in a life-threatening situation, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For information, advice, guidance, and support, you can call the following fentanyl helplines.

National Drug Helpline (844) 289-0879^ℹ

The National Drug Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 fentanyl helpline for individuals and families battling fentanyl addiction. You can call the National Drug Helpline for information about fentanyl treatment options in your area. You can also get answers to all your questions about fentanyl abuse and addiction. If your call cannot be answered due to staff shortage or high call volumes, please try again later.

SAMHSA 1-800-662-HELP (4357)          

The United States government operates a 24/7 hotline through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This free, confidential helpline can give you information and referral services nationwide. Services are available in English and Spanish.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

The toll-free National Suicide Prevention hotline is for people experiencing a mental health crisis and suicidal thoughts.

National Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

The toll-free Poison Control helpline can give you information about a fentanyl overdose.

Risk Factors for Fentanyl Misuse

Fentanyl is often prescribed to hospitalized patients with severe pain, such as advanced cancer pain. However, if it is not taken exactly as prescribed, this drug carries a high risk for physical dependence and addiction. Dependence on fentanyl can develop even if the medication is taken as directed. Some of the risk factors for fentanyl addiction include:  ^[4]

• Age (young people in the 18–25 age group have the highest risk of opioid addiction).
• Gender (men are more likely than women to abuse and develop problems with all types of illicit drugs, including fentanyl obtained from street dealers).
• Genetics (people with a family history of substance use disorders have a higher risk of fentanyl addiction).
• Social environment (those who live with other people who misuse or abuse fentanyl are more likely to start doing so themselves).
• Psychiatric conditions (people with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, or PTSD are at a higher risk of fentanyl abuse and addiction).

When doctors prescribe powerful pain medications such as fentanyl, they perform a risk assessment and look at patient-specific factors that can contribute to misuse and addiction. They also evaluate the risk of health complications such as respiratory depression. To lower the risk of addiction, always take fentanyl exactly as prescribed. Never obtain fentanyl from other people or illegal sources.

Side Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

People misuse fentanyl for the temporary but intense “high” or euphoria it produces. However, fentanyl can also cause several unwanted adverse effects, some of which can be fatal. Some of the common side effects of fentanyl include: ^[5]

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed heartbeat
• Decreased blood pressure
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion

The most serious side effect of fentanyl is respiratory depression (slowed breathing). It can lead to hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply) to the brain, which in turn can cause various short- and long-term neurological effects. A fentanyl overdose can result in coma, permanent brain damage, and even death.

Cost of Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

The cost of rehab for fentanyl addiction varies by geographical location and other factors. It depends on the severity of the addiction and the presence of comorbidities such as mental health conditions. In general, the cost of fentanyl rehab is as follows:

$250 to $800 per day for medical detox

$3,000 to $10,000 for 4 weeks of intensive outpatient treatment

$1,400 to $10,000 for 6–12 weeks of outpatient fentanyl rehab

$5,000 to $80,000+ for residential fentanyl addiction treatment

If you are insured, your health insurance policy will most likely cover fentanyl rehab at least partially. Call the National Drug Helpline on (844) 289-0879^ℹ to learn more about coverage under your specific policy.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Options

No matter how severe your addiction to fentanyl, professional treatment can help you get better. But the sooner you seek treatment for fentanyl addiction, the higher your chances of sustained recovery. Calling a fentanyl hotline can help you understand your treatment options and get the help you need without delay.

Like other opioid addictions, fentanyl abuse requires professional treatment. Medically supervised detox helps ease withdrawal symptoms and manage drug cravings, reducing the risk of relapse. Following detox, medication-assisted treatment helps you remain abstinent. Counseling helps you develop the skills you need to stay clean. This comprehensive and holistic approach to fentanyl addiction treatment gives you the best chance at lasting recovery.

To maximize the chances of successful recovery, it is important to seek treatment simultaneously for any co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Rescue Medication for Fentanyl Overdose

Fentanyl is cheaper to manufacture than some other illicit drugs and produces a powerful high. For this reason, many drug dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs like cocaine and heroin to increase their profits and make the drugs more powerful. However, if a drug user is unaware of the presence of fentanyl, it can be easy to overdose. Fortunately, there is a medicine called naloxone that can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose in an emergency. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the action of fentanyl, thus preventing fatal respiratory depression. If you or a loved one is using fentanyl, ask your doctor about having a naloxone auto-injector or nasal spray on hand for emergencies. In 2023, the FDA also approved a 4-mg naloxone nasal spray to be sold over-the-counter. You can purchase this without a doctor’s prescription.

Can I Call a Fentanyl Hotline for a Friend?

Yes, our fentanyl hotline can provide guidance and answer questions from friends and family members of people with a fentanyl addiction. If you suspect or know that a loved one is using and perhaps addicted to fentanyl, call the National Drug Helpline on(844) 289-0879^ℹ for support and advice.

What Questions Will the Operator Ask Me?

It is common for people to be nervous about calling a fentanyl hotline, especially if they are doing so for the first time. But be assured that you will not be forced to provide any information you’re not comfortable offering. It helps to know what to expect before you call. Some of the common questions the operator may ask include:

• How long have you been using fentanyl?
• How often do you use fentanyl?
• Is your family aware of your fentanyl addiction?
• Do you have any mental illnesses?
• Have you been to rehab for fentanyl or any other drug before?
• Are you using any drugs other than fentanyl?
• Are you motivated to begin treatment for fentanyl addiction?

Fentanyl misuse and abuse can lead to irreversible damage to your body and brain. It can even cost you your life. If you or a loved one is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, calling our helpline is the best thing you can do to get your life back on track.

Last updated: March 18, 2024