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The term “fiending” or “feening” for drugs describes a powerful psychological and sometimes physical state that contributes to continued substance use despite negative consequences.
It’s a phrase commonly heard in conversations between individuals struggling with addiction, their loved ones, and treatment professionals, representing the intense cravings and compulsive urges that characterize substance use disorders.
Learn more about our Nashville addiction treatment options or call us now at 615-234-9425.
What Does Feening or Fiending Mean?
“Feening” (sometimes spelled “fiending”) refers to an intense craving or desire for something, particularly drugs or alcohol. The term describes the desperate longing and compulsive pursuit of a substance that often accompanies addiction.
When someone is “feening,” they’re experiencing overwhelming urges that can dominate their thoughts and behaviors.
This state goes beyond simple want or desire—it represents a consuming need that can override rational decision-making, personal values, and even basic self-preservation instincts.
What is Fiening for Drugs?
In the context of substance use disorders, fiening specifically describes the intense psychological and sometimes physical cravings that drive continued drug use. These cravings can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Environmental cues (places, people, or things associated with past drug use)
- Emotional states (stress, anxiety, sadness, or even happiness)
- Physical discomfort (especially during withdrawal)
- Memories of the pleasurable effects of the substance
When someone is fiening for drugs, obtaining and using the substance often becomes their primary focus, potentially leading them to neglect responsibilities, relationships, and personal well-being.
The History of The Word Fiend
The term “fiend” has deep historical roots. It derives from Old English “féond,” meaning enemy or devil. Over centuries, its meaning evolved to describe someone obsessed with or devoted to something in an extreme or unhealthy way.
The connection to substance use emerged in the early 20th century, when “dope fiend” became a derogatory term for people with drug addictions. The verb form—”fiending” or “feening”—developed more recently as slang within communities affected by addiction, describing the state of intense craving.
The Stigma of Drug Addiction With The Word Fiening
The term “feening” carries significant stigma that can be harmful to those struggling with substance use disorders. The word’s association with its root “fiend”—implying someone demonic or evil—reinforces negative stereotypes about addiction.
This stigmatizing language can:
- Discourage people from seeking help
- Reinforce shame and guilt in those struggling with addiction
- Perpetuate the misconception that addiction is a moral failing rather than a medical condition
- Create barriers to compassionate, effective treatment
At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we recognize that language matters in addiction treatment.
While we acknowledge terms like “feening” to better understand our clients’ experiences, we emphasize person-first, non-stigmatizing language that respects the dignity of everyone seeking help for substance use disorders.
Signs and Symptoms Someone is Feening for Drugs
Recognizing when someone is experiencing intense cravings can help identify when additional support might be needed. Common signs that someone may be feening for drugs include:
Behavioral Signs:
- Restlessness or inability to sit still
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety or panic
- Difficulty concentrating on anything other than obtaining the substance
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
- Risk-taking behaviors to obtain drugs
- Social withdrawal or isolation
Physical Signs:
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Muscle aches or tremors
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Pupil dilation
Psychological Signs:
- Preoccupation with thoughts of using
- Reminiscing about past drug experiences
- Minimizing the negative consequences of use
- Bargaining or making deals with oneself about using
- Heightened sensitivity to drug-related cues
What Causes Fiending?
The intense cravings associated with fiending have complex neurobiological, psychological, and environmental causes:
Neurobiological Factors:
Substance use alters brain chemistry, particularly affecting the reward pathway. With repeated use, the brain adapts to the presence of the substance, leading to tolerance and dependence. When the substance is removed, the brain’s chemical imbalance creates powerful cravings as it attempts to restore equilibrium.
Psychological Factors:
Many people use substances to cope with underlying psychological issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or chronic stress. When these underlying issues remain unaddressed, the urge to return to substance use as a coping mechanism can be powerful.
Environmental Triggers:
People, places, and things associated with past substance use can trigger intense cravings through a process called conditioned response. Even years into recovery, exposure to these triggers can initiate strong urges to use.
Withdrawal:
During the withdrawal process, the body physically craves the substance it has become dependent on. These physical cravings can be extremely uncomfortable and drive continued use to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What Happens When Someone is Feening Drugs or Alcohol?
When someone is in the grip of intense cravings for drugs or alcohol, several things happen:
Cognitive Changes:
- Decision-making becomes impaired, with short-term relief prioritized over long-term consequences
- Attention narrows to focus primarily on obtaining and using the substance
- Rationalization and denial increase to justify use
Emotional Impact:
- Anxiety and distress levels rise dramatically
- Emotional regulation becomes difficult
- Feelings of desperation may emerge
Behavioral Response:
- The person may engage in drug-seeking behaviors despite negative consequences
- Social withdrawal from non-using friends and family
- Abandonment of previously enjoyed activities
- Potential engagement in risky or illegal behaviors to obtain substances
Physical Response:
- Autonomic nervous system activation (increased heart rate, blood pressure)
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite
- Potential physical discomfort or pain
Without appropriate intervention and support, these cravings can lead to relapse, continuing the cycle of addiction.
The Risks of Fiending For Drugs
The desperate state of feening for drugs carries numerous risks that extend beyond the immediate dangers of substance use:
Health Risks:
- Overdose, particularly after periods of abstinence when tolerance has decreased
- Exposure to infectious diseases through risky use practices
- Worsening of co-occurring mental health conditions
- Malnutrition and other physical health complications
Social Consequences:
- Damaged relationships with family and friends
- Loss of support networks
- Social isolation
- Employment and financial difficulties
Legal Risks:
- Engagement in illegal activities to obtain substances
- Legal consequences including arrest, incarceration, and criminal record
- Loss of professional licenses or credentials
Psychological Impact:
- Increased feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness
- Further entrenchment of addictive patterns
- Worsening mental health symptoms
- Cycle of relapse and recovery attempts
The compulsive nature of these cravings can lead people to make decisions they would never consider in other circumstances, highlighting the powerful grip of addiction.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder
Feening is one manifestation of the broader condition of substance use disorder (SUD), a complex chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.
Key aspects of substance use disorder include:
- Loss of Control: Difficulty limiting use or stopping despite intentions to do so
- Continued Use Despite Consequences: Persistent use even when it causes or worsens problems
- Tolerance: Needing increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Withdrawal: Physical and psychological symptoms when substance use is reduced or stopped
- Craving: Strong urges or desire to use the substance
- Neglect of Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use
Substance use disorders exist on a spectrum from mild to severe, based on the number of diagnostic criteria met. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing these conditions.
Understanding SUD as a legitimate medical condition rather than a moral failing is crucial for effective treatment and reducing stigma.
How To Help Someone Who Is Feening
Supporting someone experiencing intense cravings requires patience, understanding, and knowledge of effective strategies:
Do:
- Respond with empathy and without judgment
- Encourage professional help and treatment
- Help remove or avoid known triggers when possible
- Suggest healthy distractions or alternative activities
- Remind them of their reasons for recovery
- Offer to attend support meetings with them
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery
- Set healthy boundaries to protect your own wellbeing
Don’t:
- Enable drug-seeking behavior
- Attempt to shame or guilt them out of using
- Ignore warning signs of potential relapse
- Take responsibility for their recovery
- Make threats or ultimatums you can’t follow through with
- Neglect your own needs or safety
When to Seek Emergency Help:
- If the person expresses thoughts of self-harm
- If you suspect overdose or severe withdrawal symptoms
- If the person becomes violent or unpredictable
- If medical complications arise
Remember that professional help is often necessary, and supporting someone through recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
How To Stop Feening for Drugs: Nashville Addiction Treatment Options
Overcoming the intense cravings associated with addiction typically requires professional treatment and support. Nashville Treatment Solutions offers a comprehensive continuum of care designed to address substance use disorders at every stage of recovery.
The Continuum of Care for Addiction Treatment
Effective addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a personalized journey through various levels of care based on individual needs. At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we provide a full spectrum of treatment options:
Detoxification
The first step in recovery for many individuals is safely managing withdrawal symptoms through drug and alcohol detox. During this process, medical professionals provide 24/7 monitoring in a safe, substance-free environment. Medications may be administered to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while basic therapeutic support begins to address the psychological aspects of addiction. .
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Following detox, many individuals benefit from the structure and intensive support of residential treatment. This level of care provides 24-hour supervision in a therapeutic environment where clients participate in daily individual and group therapy sessions. Residential treatment offers comprehensive education about addiction and recovery while helping clients develop essential coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
As individuals stabilize, they may step down to a Partial Hospitalization Program, which provides intensive treatment 5-7 days per week with structured therapy for 4-6 hours per day. Clients return home or to a sober living environment during evenings and weekends, allowing for a gradual transition to more independent living. PHP continues the individual and group therapy work begun in residential treatment while placing increased emphasis on life skills development and medication management if needed.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
As recovery progresses, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers treatment 3-5 days per week with sessions typically lasting 3-4 hours. This schedule allows clients to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while still receiving substantial support. IOP focuses on relapse prevention and long-term recovery strategies while helping clients develop community support networks that will sustain their recovery journey.
Outpatient Treatment
The final formal level of care, outpatient treatment includes 1-2 therapy sessions per week in individual and/or group formats. This level of care focuses on maintaining recovery and preventing relapse while addressing ongoing life challenges through a recovery lens. Aftercare and Ongoing Support
Find Help For Substance Use Disorder in Nashville Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with intense cravings and substance use disorder, know that recovery is possible. Nashville Treatment Solutions offers evidence-based, compassionate care customized to meet each client’s unique needs.
Contact our admissions team today at 615-234-9425 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you begin your journey to lasting recovery or verify your insurance now.
