Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
February, 26, 2025
Last Updated:
February 26, 2025
Feening, or “fiending,” means experiencing intense cravings for drugs or alcohol after developing a dependency.
These cravings can be so powerful that they override rational thought processes and drive people to seek out substances despite negative consequences.
Understanding the nature of feening is crucial for recognizing addiction and finding effective treatment solutions.
Learn more about our Georgia detox programs or call us now at 470-613-7881.
The terms “feening” and “fiending” are used interchangeably.
Both describe a state of intense yearning for a substance that manifests as both psychological obsession and physical symptoms.
While “feening” is more commonly used in casual conversation, “fiending” appears more frequently in clinical literature, though neither is a formal medical term.
Fiening for drugs refers to the overwhelming urge to use substances after developing a dependency. This state goes beyond simple desire—it’s characterized by compulsive thoughts about obtaining and using the substance, along with physical discomfort that can only be relieved by consumption. This phenomenon can occur with various substances including opioids, stimulants, alcohol, nicotine, and even prescription medications.
The word “fiend” has ancient origins, dating back to Old English where it meant “enemy” or “devil.” By the 13th century, it evolved to describe someone possessed by evil or extreme wickedness. In the 19th century, the word began to be associated with addiction, particularly to opium, as “opium fiend.”
By the mid-20th century, the term had entered drug culture vernacular, and the verb form “fiending” emerged to describe the desperate behavior associated with cravings.
Today, while still carrying negative connotations, the terms “fiending” and “feening” have become widely used in discussions about addiction and recovery.
Someone who is feening for drugs may exhibit several recognizable symptoms:
Fiending results from neurochemical changes in the brain caused by repeated substance use. When someone regularly uses drugs or alcohol, their brain adapts by reducing natural production of certain neurotransmitters and creating new neural pathways associated with substance use.
These changes lead to tolerance (needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect) and dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms without the substance).
Several factors influence the intensity of fiending:
When someone experiences intense feening, their behavior often changes dramatically. The drive to obtain and use substances can override their normal decision-making processes, potentially leading to:
Feening for drugs carries numerous serious risks:
Feening is a key symptom of substance use disorder (SUD), a complex condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
SUD is characterized by an inability to control substance use despite negative consequences.
Medical professionals view addiction as a chronic brain disorder rather than a moral failing. Like other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, SUD requires comprehensive treatment and often lifelong management. The good news is that with proper treatment, recovery is possible.
If someone you care about appears to be feening for drugs or alcohol:
For Georgia residents struggling with substance dependencies, several addiction treatment options exist:
Before addressing psychological aspects of addiction, many people require medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
At Peachtree Detox, our medical professionals provide 24/7 supervision and medication-assisted treatment to ensure comfort and safety during this critical phase.
Residential treatment programs offer structured environments where individuals can focus entirely on recovery. These programs typically include individual therapy, group counseling, educational sessions, and holistic treatments.
For certain substances like opioids and alcohol, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) involves FDA-approved medications can help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Evidence-based addiction therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing help address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
Organizations like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous offer peer support and structured recovery programs that complement professional treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with feening for drugs or alcohol, know that help is available.
At Peachtree Detox, we understand the complex nature of addiction and provide comprehensive, personalized treatment programs to address both the physical and psychological aspects of substance dependence.
Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is ready to guide you through every step of the recovery journey, from initial detox to ongoing support.
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