What is Fentanyl Rehab?
Synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl is a prescription drug used to treat chronic pain, severe cancer pain, nerve damage, back injury pain, and any type of major trauma surgery pain. It is about 50-100 times more potent than morphine and is considered the strongest opioid substance with a high risk of dependence, tolerance, addiction and overdose.
In 2022, an estimated 205 Americans died from an overdose caused by synthetic opioids like fentanyl every day. From 2020 to 2021, overdose deaths associated with fentanyl, increased by an estimated 26%. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has been the center of the latest wave of one of the deadliest opioid overdoses in the U.S. Common prescription brands of fentanyl include Duragesic, Sublimaze and Actiq. They are usually administered in patches, lozenges of lollipops, pills and in some cases, liquids that can be injected.
Opioid substances include both natural and synthetic opioids. Opioids are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that can only be obtained through a prescription. However, that has not stopped the production of illicit fentanyl with common street names of Great Bear, China Town, Dance Fever and Jackpot.
Fentanyl affects the central nervous system by attaching to the opioid receptors and prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. It can also trigger large amounts of dopamine release into the brain resulting in feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation. Despite being a prescription drug, illicit fentanyl has flooded the drug market and is a common substance used to lace other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and other prescription opioids. When fentanyl is being abused, substance addiction programs specific to treating fentanyl can provide effective treatment in helping users recover.
Why is Fentanyl so widely abused?
So why is fentanyl so widely abused and found in many overdose cases? Fentanyl is so powerful; that it takes very little to produce an intense high. This makes it a cheap option for those manufacturing and purchasing illicit substances. It is often cut with other drugs to enhance potency at a much lower cost.
Abuse of the drug occurs when a person starts using fentanyl more frequently, starts taking larger doses of fentanyl, or starts using fentanyl in combination with other mind-altering substances. Smoking fentanyl, snorting fentanyl and injecting fentanyl is also considered a form of drug abuse. This is because these methods of administration often create a faster and more intense “high.” Over time, tolerance and dependence on the drug will develop and the brain will adapt to these feelings and make it more difficult to experience positive emotions naturally.
Fentanyl binds with the opioid receptors found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Too much of the drug will cause a chemical imbalance and lead to more drugs and addiction. This can also cause an increase in the production of opioid receptors, which also contributes to tolerance of the drug. The effects of fentanyl will depend on a few different factors: the amount a person takes, if the person takes it in combination with other drugs, and if the person already has a tolerance for taking opioid substances.
Signs of a Fentanyl Addiction
- Sudden weight loss
- Impaired reflexes
- Pinpoint pupils
- Difficult and slowed breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech
Side Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
- Extreme happiness and euphoria
- Pain relief
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Confusion and headache
- Incoherent and slurred speech
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Extreme sedation
- Impaired balance
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Hypoxia – when the amount of oxygen going to your brain decreases
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Organ damage – heart, liver and lung
- Development or exacerbation of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
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How to find a Fentanyl Rehab that works for you
Fentanyl addiction is one of the most difficult diseases to overcome. Opioids are extremely powerful and can cause both physical and psychological damage to the brain and body, making them challenging to break away from. Without the proper care, support, tools and resources, recovery from fentanyl addiction can even be dangerous. Fortunately, there are many types of treatment recovery programs available that specialize in fentanyl rehab.
There are many different factors to consider when finding a fentanyl treatment. Decide what your goals for treatment are and search for one that aligns with your needs and values. Try speaking with a professional treatment provider to suggest programs that specialize in fentanyl addiction. Do your own research on different rehab and treatment options. Many professional treatment centers provide substance use disorder treatment and have unique programs targeting clients who have a fentanyl addiction. The following are various treatment options to consider.
- Fentanyl Detox. Fentanyl detox facilities provide patients with a safe environment in which they are able to detox from the addictive substance. Oftentimes, opioids can cause intense and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. In detox, patients will be carefully monitored under 24/7medical supervision and can be given treatments to help alleviate the discomforts of withdrawal.
- Residential Treatment Program. Inpatient fentanyl treatment programs provide the highest level of treatment care. In residential programs, clients will have around-the-clock access to medical professionals such as physicians, psychiatrists, therapists and case managers. Clients will undergo intensive treatments that can include FDA-approved medications as well as group and individual therapies. Fentanyl affects the central nervous system and can alter brain chemistry. This often produces changes in behavior and emotion, which can be treated through cognitive behavioral therapies.
- Outpatient Fentanyl Rehab. The two most common outpatient programs are partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Outpatient programs allow for more flexibility in treatment. They are generally for those who have less severe addictions to fentanyl or for those who have stepped down in level of care from residential treatment programs. Clients will continue with intensive therapies that may include CBT, DBT, Group Therapy and Family Therapy.
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). In more intense and severe cases of fentanyl addiction, some clients may require medication to aid in the management of withdrawal symptoms. The most commonly prescribed medications for fentanyl addiction withdrawal include methadone, a full agonist, buprenorphine, a partial agonist and naltrexone, an antagonist. Some of these medications may even be required for long-term management of fentanyl addiction.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Fentanyl is a highly potent and dangerous drug that can be difficult to overcome. When it comes to finding a fentanyl rehab there are many factors to consider. Factors such as what a treatment plan looks like, which level of care is most appropriate, length of the treatment program, cost of the program and the availability of medication-assisted treatments. At Hotel California by the Sea, we specialize in treating people who have opioid addictions and specifically fentanyl addictions.
We offer all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. Our program utilizes evidence-based treatment methods that include CBT, DBT and EMDR Therapy. Many times, those who have an opioid addiction also have a mental health condition. We are a dual-diagnosis treatment facility and provide treatments for co-occurring mental health conditions. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients achieve sobriety and long-term recovery.
Reference:
https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/fentanyl/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308156
https://www.addictionhelp.com/fentanyl/rehab/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/opiates/fentanyl/treatment-rehab/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/rehab-questions/choose-right-rehab/