What is the Difference Between Fentanyl and Heroin?

Fentanyl and heroin are both opioid drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain sensations and elevating pleasure and relaxation. They are both extremely potent and can be lethal in as little as one dose. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Origin: Heroin is derived from morphine, which is a natural substance removed from the seed of the opium poppy plant. Fentanyl, on the other hand, is a synthetic (manmade) opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50-100 times more potent.
2. Classification: Heroin is classified as an illegal drug with no accepted medicinal uses in the United States (Schedule I). Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is prescribed for medical use and has legal applications, most commonly for major pain after surgery or other types of severe pain.
3. Uses: Heroin is typically injected, smoked, or snorted when abused. Fentanyl can be prescribed as a powerful analgesic (pain reliever) and is often administered in a patch or lozenge form. Illegally made fentanyl is sold on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder, and is often mixed with other drugs.
4. Potency: Fentanyl is 30-50 times more potent than heroin and 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
5. Addiction and Use: Both substances are highly addictive, but fentanyl is less expensive and more potent, making it an attractive option for someone with opioid use disorder. Also, heroin is usually injected intravenously, while fentanyl can be consumed orally in pill form, in addition to several other methods.

Treatment for opioid addiction is similar for addiction to either fentanyl or heroin, with both requiring detox and addiction treatment.

Comparative Table: Fentanyl vs Heroin

Fentanyl and heroin are both potent opioids, but they have some differences in their properties and effects. Here is a table comparing the two:

Both fentanyl and heroin bind to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, resulting in pain relief, sedation, and euphoria. However, fentanyl is significantly stronger than heroin and is often illegally manufactured, making it more dangerous when mixed with other substances.