Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

The opioid crisis has affected people across our nation dramatically. Many drugs have played a role in this problem, but among the biggest is fentanyl.  Fentanyl can be obtained via prescription but has also become a widespread street drug.

In this article, we’ll explore what fentanyl is and how it is different from other opioids. You will learn the side effects of fentanyl abuse, signs of addiction and withdrawal, why fentanyl is dangerous, and what treatment is offered at our Florida rehab center.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent and highly addictive synthetic opioid. It can be prescribed legally by a doctor for severe pain management or made and sold illegally. What makes fentanyl unique is that it is estimated to be approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine when sold illegally, which can lead to overdose deaths. Even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly due to its strength. This makes it a major concern for public health and law enforcement agencies.

Fentanyl works by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors, which manage pain and emotions. These receptors interact with endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. The body releases different types of endorphins, including beta-endorphins, in response to stress or pain.

Endorphins are also released during enjoyable activities like laughter or exercise. When opioids attach to these receptors, the body experiences feelings of pain relief and pleasure in its reward system.

Fentanyl Side Effects

Determining whether someone is using fentanyl as the side effects of fentanyl may differ from those of other drugs, making them noticeable. Common side effects of fentanyl use include:

• Nausea/vomiting

• Constipation

• Euphoria

• Poor coordination

• Dilated pupils

• Slowed breathing
• Drowsiness

• Unconsciousness

The side effects mentioned are typical for many drugs that have been contaminated with fentanyl. Due to its potency, even a small amount of fentanyl can cause overdose symptoms in individuals who believe they are consuming a pure drug.

Symptoms of Addiction

It’s important to recognize the signs of fentanyl addiction in order to seek treatment. Addiction is a treatable, ongoing medical condition. It involves complex interactions between brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences. People with addiction use substances uncontrollably and keep using them despite the harmful effects.

To determine if you or a loved one have a fentanyl addiction, you should look for two or more symptoms on the list below. The symptoms of an opioid use disorder include:

• Using a higher dose of fentanyl than intended.
• Using fentanyl for longer than intended.
• Spending extended amounts of time obtaining, using, and/or recovering from the effects of fentanyl.

• Unable to complete duties at work, school, or home due to fentanyl use.

• Having cravings to use fentanyl or other opioids.

• Continued use of fentanyl despite negative impacts on relationships.

• Giving up activities you used to enjoy due to fentanyl use.

• Continued use of fentanyl despite physical or mental problems caused by it.

• Using fentanyl in physically dangerous situations.

• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when discontinuing the use of fentanyl.

Long-term use of fentanyl can lead to tolerance and dependence. Tolerance means that the body requires increasing amounts of fentanyl to achieve the desired effect, whether it’s pain relief or intoxication. Continued use of the same amount of fentanyl can lead to decreased sensitivity to its effects.

Fentanyl Withdrawal

Regular use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence, meaning the body relies on fentanyl to function normally. If a person stops or reduces their use of fentanyl, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage without proper medical support.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary widely but may include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea
• Achy muscles

• Soreness in joints

• Fevers and sweating

• Insomnia

• Watery eyes and runny nose

• Severe cravings

Why is Fentanyl so Dangerous?

Fentanyl is a different kind of opioid for a few reasons. First, it’s cheap to make, so it is easily made in large amounts. Second, it looks like plain white powder, so it’s often mixed with other opioids to make it seem more valuable, and also why it puts users at high risk of overdose.

Illicit drugs like cocaine, oxycodone, and methamphetamine often contain dangerous levels of fentanyl. The strength of each drug varies widely, so what might seem like a safe amount of oxycodone could be a lethal dose of fentanyl. Those making or selling these drugs care more about making money than keeping their customers healthy. This puts the people who use these drugs at serious risk.

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Florida

At Solutions Healthcare, our fentanyl rehab program is designed to tackle the complexities of this potent opioid addiction with a personalized and comprehensive approach. When a patient joins a treatment program, they will undergo an initial assessment to evaluate their specific needs, health status, and the severity of their addiction.

This assessment allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to their needs, which may include medically supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, as well as a combination of medications, behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups.

Treatment will help a person struggling with addiction to fentanyl overcome physical dependencies and address psychological factors contributing to addiction. This equips patients with coping strategies and tools to maintain sobriety. Patients receive support throughout treatment from our dedicated team of addiction specialists committed to their recovery and well-being.

Detox

When someone begins the journey to overcome fentanyl addiction, the initial crucial stage is the detoxification process. Detox is a challenging yet essential phase during which the body cleanses itself of fentanyl. Understanding how detox works is fundamental in preparing for this journey.

Healthcare professionals carefully manage the detox regimen and provide 24/7 monitoring to ensure safety and comfort. The duration of detox varies based on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s health. However, our knowledgeable staff supports clients, guiding them every step of the way.

Inpatient Treatment

After detox, patients require a lot of support to avoid relapse and need to be taught tools to deal with potential cravings, care for long-term withdrawal symptoms, and deal with getting back into a more normal life structure both physically and mentally. Inpatient fentanyl rehab programs in Florida offer this next step in a supportive environment featuring:

• Onsite living with 24/7 medical care available
• Utilization of diverse therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
•  Structured daily routines to promote the development of healthy habits essential for sustained sobriety.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment for fentanyl addiction can be adapted to the patient’s unique needs. Just as with inpatient treatment, outpatient levels of treatment can have varying levels of intensity depending on the length and amount of fentanyl being used by the person seeking treatment.

Intensive outpatient therapy can be an ideal option for those not in need of residential care but still need intensive treatment on a daily basis. Intensive outpatient allows for a high level of care while still allowing some flexibility.

Typical outpatient therapy is more suited for those who have mostly recovered from their addiction and are looking for continued support. This level of care caters to diverse recovery conditions and can aid patients in transitioning to more or less intensive care as needs arise.

Many people recovering from fentanyl addiction also benefit from continued access to support groups and peer-based recovery coaches. Simple options such as these can help someone newly in recovery have reduced anxiety in their transition back into regular life activities.

Solutions Healthcare Can Help: Compassionate Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Florida

We don’t just help with detox. We also treat the reasons for addiction through therapy and counseling. Our focus is on providing a supportive community and aftercare for fentanyl addiction to support a lasting recovery journey.

We help people deal with addiction by providing tools and support. Our goal is to help clients overcome fentanyl addiction and lead a substance-free life. You can trust Solutions Healthcare to guide you or your loved one towards a brighter future.

Contact us today to get started on finding help for a loved one or yourself.

• References

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Fentanyl Drug Facts
  2. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (JPSM): Fentanyl
  3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Fentanyl