Isotonitazene is a synthetic opioid that has recently gained popularity as a recreational drug. Said to be much more potent than fentanyl, isotonitazene poses a much higher risk for addiction and accidental overdose. How does Isotonitazene effect the brain? In fact, long-term use of opioids can cause serious damage to a person’s brain and body. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to opioids, it is best to seek treatment immediately.
The Bluffs is located in Sherrodsville and offers a wide variety of programs and services that can help patients overcome addiction. Our experienced and friendly staff use evidence-based therapies to give our patients the best chance at lasting recovery and lifelong sobriety. Call us at 850.374.5331 today if you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier tomorrow.
What Is Isotonitazene?
Isotonitazene was initially developed for pain management, however, it is seldom used in medical settings due to its negative side effects. Typically sold as a powder or a tablet, this drug can easily be taken along with other illicit substances, which can heighten the risks of overdose.
What is probably fueling isotonitazene’s popularity is the fact that it does not show up on a standard opioid test, which means that someone can keep abusing the drug without risking testing positive. However, it is still possible to tell if someone is abusing isotonitazene by watching out for the following symptoms:
- Contracted pupils
- Appearing drowsy, moving sluggishly, and slurring their speech
- Decreased body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
- Lowered ability or inability to feel physical pain
Apart from enabling an addiction to go undetected, the fact that isotonitazene doesn’t result in a positive drug test can be detrimental when someone comes in with an accidental overdose. Not knowing that the patient has been abusing opioids can result in a misdiagnosis, which can be dangerous, if not fatal.
How Does Isotonitazene Affect the Brain?
Though there are not that many studies on the effect of isotonitazene on a person’s brain, anecdotal evidence suggests that it behaves like other opioids, albeit a very potent one. When ingested, the drug affects a person’s brain resulting in the following effects:
- Opioid use has been known to cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Isotonitazene attaches itself to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain messages which then reduces perceived pain.
- It also affects the brain’s reward circuit, flooding the brain with dopamine, which results in a sense of euphoria. This rush of intense pleasure is the feeling that causes people to take isotonitazene recreationally.
- Isotonitazene can affect parts of the brain that control breathing, resulting in slower, more shallow breathing, which can be life-threatening if the oxygen supply to the brain is compromised.
- Taking opioids can also suppress the area in the brain that controls reasoning and awareness, which, when combined with respiratory distress, can lead to fatal results.
Opioids, in general, are highly addictive due to the feeling of euphoria that they cause. When there is chronic opioid use, it is common to develop a tolerance to the drug. This means that the dosing needs to increase in order to produce the same effect. This repeated and increasing exposure can alter someone’s brain. Eventually, it can only function normally when the drug is present in the system. This is what causes someone to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Contact The Bluffs to Start Opioid Addiction Treatment in Sherrodsville
At The Bluffs, we understand that detox and the accompanying withdrawal symptoms may seem daunting. This is why we offer a wide variety of programs and treatments. The purpose is to provide the right guidance and support to each patient. Our friendly and welcoming staff provides evidence-based therapies that can ensure genuine recovery and lasting sobriety. If you or your loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, contact us at 850.374.5331 today to learn how we can help.
