Feigning Drugs: What Is Feening For Drugs?

People experiencing drug addiction typically have strong cravings for drugs, resulting in abnormal behavior. These cravings or other withdrawal symptoms associated with drug use and dependence may be referred to as “feening drugs” (or “feigning drugs”).

Addiction treatment programs that offer medical detox, inpatient or residential treatment, and continuing care can help people overcome drug cravings and other withdrawal symptoms and achieve long-term recovery. Treatment options may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapy, peer support, case management, relapse prevention, and more.

What Is Feening For Drugs?

“Fiending drugs” is thought to be the original slang term, stemming from the word “fiend,” meaning an evil spirit or demon. Although the Oxford English Dictionary notes that the first use of the term “drug fiend” was in 1873, it wasn’t until the 1980s in America that the term became popularized. During this time, the potent and highly addictive drugs crack cocaine and heroin were ravaging the country. These drugs cause intense cravings and other withdrawal symptoms leading to visible signs and symptoms, which were viewed as overpowering and uncontrollable, in the same realm as being possessed by a spirit or demon. “Fiending” drugs became “feening” or “feigning” drugs.

In addition to cravings, common drug withdrawal symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• tremors
• anxiety
• paranoid thoughts
• compulsive behavior
• poor concentration
• irritability
• mood swings

Word Choice And Stigmatization

Although phrases such as “dope fiend” and “fiend” were often used to describe people experiencing drug addiction in the ’80s and ’90s, and unfortunately are still sometimes used today, a growing awareness of how terms like these contribute to the stigma of addiction is causing people to question their use and stop using them.

Terms such as these dehumanize people experiencing addiction, a disease—not a choice or moral failing—that requires professional treatment. Many times, people without firsthand experience with drug addiction, or who are otherwise unaware or uninformed, use these terms, which can further alienate people facing addiction. When someone with a drug or alcohol addiction hears these terms over and over again, they may feel less willing to find help, continuing a cycle of shame and guilt.

When Do Strong Drug Cravings Begin?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes addiction as a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive and very difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Ongoing drug use creates changes in the brain’s reward system, challenging the person’s self-control and ability to resist urges. Everyone’s experience with drug addiction is different, and strong cravings may begin almost immediately for some or develop over time with others.

Signs of cravings can include:

• dreaming or daydreaming about drugs
• an inability to focus on everyday tasks, work, or other responsibilities
• always looking for new avenues to purchase or otherwise obtain drugs

Other Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

Experiencing a strong desire to use drugs isn’t the only indicator of an addiction. Keep reading for other physical and mental signs of drug addiction.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms, including the following, may or may not lead to changes in a person’s appearance:

• extreme fatigue or high energy
• sweating
• tremors, slurred speech, or loss of balance
• less attention to personal hygiene or grooming
• changes in appetite, which may lead to drastic weight loss or gain
• unusual body scent
• runny nose or constant sniffling
• odd sleep patterns

Mental Symptoms

Addiction can also alter a person’s perceptions and lead to other mental symptoms, including the following:

• sudden mood swings
• increased irritability
• angry outbursts
• extreme aloofness
• constantly being confused
• lack of motivation
• fascination with drugs and alcohol

Risks Associated With Drug Cravings And Addiction

Experiencing drug cravings is a sign of addiction. Untreated addiction comes with significant short-term and long-term health consequences.

Health risks of addiction may include:

• risk of overdose, including fatal overdose
• increased risk of experiencing accidents due to decreased inhibitions and reckless behavior
• deterioration of overall physical health
• the development of a co-occurring mental health disorder or polysubstance use disorder
• increased risk of contracting an STD

Addiction may also lead to non-health-related consequences, such as the following:

• financial hardship
• relationship issues
• problems at work or school
• legal trouble

Find Recovery At Spring Hill Today

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