Exploring the Psychological Side of Fentanyl: A Scoping Review to Disclose the Psychosocial Dimensions of Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl Users

Abstract

Background Fentanyl is a powerful opioid. The abuse and overdoses related to Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl (IMF) have become more prevalent. The majority of clinical studies on fentanyl have focused on its medical and biological aspects, particularly its addictive properties. Few studies have delved into the psychological aspects of illicit fentanyl use, and there is currently no comprehensive review providing a structured psycho-social profile of the population groups most vulnerable to its effects. The goal of this Scoping Review was to construct a psychological and social profile of individuals at risk of using illicit fentanyl. This profile will serve as a guiding force for shaping behavioral policies and public health prevention efforts necessary to face the recent pandemic. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines we conducted a Scoping Review focused on the following research question: What are the practical psycho-social implications of illicit fentanyl use in the global population? Results The bibliographic research was carried out in the databases of Medline, Scopus, and PsycNet. The articles resulting from the research phase in the databases listed above produced a total of 17737 reports. After the screening process, 10 studies were included in the scoping review. Discussion and Conclusion This scoping review was the first to consistently and systematically outline the psychosocial implications of fentanyl dependence. Users of IMF are consistently younger than other drug users. People using fentanyl have a relatively low perception of risk. On the psycho-social levels, there is a significant correlation between fentanyl use and mental disorders such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, and depression. The development of psychotherapy, along with digital tools such as apps and online platforms, can be an initial step in addressing this challenge.