Heroin vs. Fentanyl

Signs, Symptoms, & Effects of Using Fentanyl

Because of its strength, fentanyl’s effects are much more powerful than heroin’s, and even small doses of the drug can be deadly.

Fentanyl’s effects include:

• Extreme happiness.
• Sleepiness and sedation.
• Nausea.
• Constipation.
• Breathing problems.
• Loss of consciousness.

Fentanyl withdrawal is similar to heroin withdrawal, but the duration of symptoms may be longer due to the drug’s potency. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea
• Body aches and pains.
• Extreme cravings for more of the drug.

Long-term use of either drug can have serious health consequences. Both can cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys and increase the risk for infections and other health problems such as hepatitis C and HIV. Additionally, heroin and fentanyl increase the risk of overdose due to their highly addictive nature. Regular use of either substance can also lead to psychological dependence and addiction, which can be challenging to overcome without professional help like that provided by Guardian Recovery. Finally, chronic users may experience increased tolerance levels which could lead them to take higher doses to achieve desired effects – a practice that often leads to fatal overdoses.

The safest way to clear the body of heroin and fentanyl is through a medically assisted opioid detox program offered by a state-licensed facility.

Accessibility & Cost Differences

Fentanyl is much more accessible and cheaper than heroin and is often used to cut heroin so dealers can make more money. Fentanyl can be produced in a lab setting, making it relatively easy to obtain even without trafficking. In addition, it has become increasingly popular due to its extreme potency and comparatively low cost.

Heroin, on the other hand, is harder to obtain as it must be trafficked from source countries and is typically more expensive. Additionally, heroin’s strength varies greatly depending on its purity levels, which makes it less attractive for users looking for a consistent high.

Which Is More Addictive?

Both drugs are highly addictive when abused in any amount. However, because of its sheer potency, fentanyl is often considered to be more addictive than heroin. Additionally, because it acts so quickly in the brain, fentanyl can create a more intense feeling of euphoria followed by a more intense withdrawal when users attempt to quit. This can make it difficult for people to stop using the drug even if they want to.

Is Heroin or Fentanyl More Deadly?

Fentanyl is often considered more deadly than heroin because of its potency and fast-acting effects. A small dose can be fatal, and even first-time users have died from a single use. Because it is so powerful, fentanyl is often used as a cutting agent for drugs like heroin, which can further increase the risk of overdose and death.

Absorption in the Body

Both heroin and fentanyl are absorbed quickly in the body, usually within seconds or minutes of ingestion. Fentanyl can also be absorbed through the skin, making it dangerous for anyone who handles it.

Once they reach the bloodstream, they can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This creates a feeling of euphoria, which is often followed by feelings of calmness and pleasure. However, regular use of either drug can lead to tolerance levels that require users to take higher doses to achieve similar effects — a practice that often leads to fatal overdoses.

The nature of these substances makes anyone who comes in contact with them susceptible to a potential overdose. There have been sporadic reports of drug-sniffing dogs and law enforcement officers negatively affected by the drugs in the line of duty.

Overdose Death Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 13,000 people died from an overdose involving heroin in 2020. That rate was seven times higher than in 1999. Nearly 20% of overdose deaths involved heroin.

Data for fentanyl is a little harder to track because it is often combined with other opioids. But the CDC reports that 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and poisonings in the 12 months ending in January 2022. A shocking 67 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.