Fentanyl addiction is a serious and deadly problem that has been on the rise in recent years. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, the first step is admitting you have a problem. The next step is getting the help you need.
When it comes to drug rehab there are a lot of different options available to help you recover from fentanyl addiction. At Royal Life Centers, we offer personalized treatment plans to fit each individual’s needs.
To fully recover, it’s important to understand what fentanyl is, the risks of abusing fentanyl, and how you can free yourself from the grips of addiction.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is an extremely potent, powerful, and dangerous synthetic opioid. In medical settings, fentanyl is prescribed as a pain medication for severe and chronic pain. However, it is also illegally sold on the streets as a recreational drug.
Some common street names for fentanyl include “China White,” “TNT,” “Apache,” and “Goodfella.” It can be sold in powder form or pressed into pills that may look like prescription medication. However, these pills often contain varying amounts of fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
Like other opioids, fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, causing a surge of dopamine in the brain which produces a sense of euphoria. Due to its intense effects, the use of fentanyl can quickly lead to tolerance. This means that people who abuse the drug will need higher doses over time to achieve the same effects, leading to dangerous levels of consumption. As a person continues to abuse fentanyl, they may also become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, making it difficult to quit without professional help.
While the effects of fentanyl are similar to other opioids such as heroin and morphine, it is much stronger. As a result, the misuse of fentanyl can have serious consequences. Due to its strength, even small amounts can be lethal. In fact, fentanyl has been responsible for a significant increase in opioid-related deaths in recent years
What Are the Risks of Fentanyl Abuse?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to other prescription pain medications. However, fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, making it one of the most dangerous opioids. An even stronger synthetic opioid is carfentanil, which is 1,000 times more potent than morphine. While the drug can help people struggling with severe and chronic pain, it has also been illegally manufactured and sold on the streets.
Unfortunately, fentanyl is often mixed with other opiates, like heroin. To make matters worse, drug dealers also secretly “cut” other drugs like cocaine or fake pills marketed as medications like Xanax or Ritalin. This is especially dangerous, since even in the smallest doses, accidental overdoses occur from this synthetic opioid.
How Do I Know If I Took Fentanyl?
Unfortunately, most of the time you will not know you have taken fentanyl until it is too late. The only way to know you have taken fentanyl or are about to take fentanyl is by testing the substances you have used or are about to use. Fentanyl is extremely strong, so it is used in many pressed pills on the street or added to heroin when it is in powder form.
What is Fentanyl Withdrawal Like?
Fentanyl withdrawal is very similar in its symptoms to withdrawal from other opiates and opioids. However, it is often more intense and difficult to manage. This is because fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. As a result, people who abuse fentanyl can develop a tolerance very quickly, leading to higher doses and increased risk of overdose.
In general, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Poor sleep
- Irritability
- Cravings
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Lack of energy
Severe symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include:
- Severe cravings for the drug
- Anhedonia
- Hopelessness
- Insomnia
- Spasms and twitches
- Muscle and bone pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Hot and cold flashes
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fast pulse
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Hyperventilating
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss
Drug withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. For this reason, not everybody suffers all the symptoms or the most severe ones. The severity of symptoms usually depends on the length and frequency of fentanyl abuse. It is highly recommended for those who are addicted to fentanyl, carfentanil, or any opioid attend a comprehensive opioid addiction rehab.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as a few hours after last use and can last for several days to weeks. This often makes recovery from fentanyl addiction a daunting and uncomfortable experience. Typically, the duration and severity of fentanyl withdrawal will vary from person to person depending on factors such as frequency of use, dosage amount, and individual physiology.
It is important to seek medical assistance when going through fentanyl withdrawal, as it can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Fentanyl detox centers and drug rehab programs can provide the care you need to recover.
Looking for Help With Fentanyl Addiction?
Do I Need Help For Fentanyl Addiction?
If you or a loved one has been using fentanyl beyond the recommended dosage or without a prescription, it may be time to seek help for fentanyl addiction.
Here are some signs that indicate you may need professional assistance:
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Physical and emotional changes
- Health problems
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Financial trouble
- Legal issues
- Cravings
- Dependence and addiction
- Withdrawal
- Overdose
Neglecting Responsibilities
As fentanyl addiction takes hold, individuals often start neglecting important responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations to prioritize their drug abuse. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships due to their preoccupation with the drug. This can lead to financial and personal problems, causing further strain on one’s well-being.
Physical & Emotional Changes
Fentanyl addiction can also cause physical changes in an individual’s appearance and behavior. People often lose weight and begin neglecting personal hygiene due to their preoccupation with using the drug. Their mood may also shift drastically, from extreme euphoria when high to irritability and aggression when experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Health Issues
Over time, fentanyl abuse can cause serious health problems. It is a potent opioid that can lead to respiratory depression and even overdose. In addition, using contaminated or impure fentanyl increases the risk of infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. Chronic use of this drug can also damage vital organs like the liver and brain.
Increased Risk-Taking Behavior
Fentanyl abuse can also lead to increased risk-taking behavior. This is because the drug suppresses a person’s ability to think rationally or make decisions. As a result, people may engage in dangerous activities such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sex. These behaviors not only put the person abusing fentanyl at risk but also those around them.
Financial Trouble
The cost of fentanyl addiction can be incredibly high, leading to financial strain for both the individual and their loved ones. The drug itself may be expensive, but the cost of medical treatment, legal fees, and lost income due to time off work can quickly add up. This can result in debt, bankruptcy, or strained relationships as the person becomes increasingly desperate to fund their addiction.
Legal Issues
Addiction to fentanyl can also lead to legal troubles as individuals may engage in illegal activities such as theft or fraud to support their habit. They may also face charges for possession or distribution of the drug. These legal issues can have serious consequences for both the individual and those around them.
Drug Cravings
One of the most telling signs of fentanyl addiction is having intense cravings for the drug. These cravings may be accompanied by obsessive thoughts about obtaining and using fentanyl, even if you want to stop. These uncontrollable urges are a clear indication that your body has become dependent on the drug and needs it to function.
Dependence and Addiction
Dependence refers to the body’s physical reliance on a substance to function normally. Continued use of fentanyl can lead to tolerance, meaning your body will require larger doses of the drug to achieve the same effects as before. This can easily spiral into addiction, making it difficult to stop using without experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
As with any opioid, fentanyl use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using it. The severity of these symptoms will vary depending on the individual’s level of addiction and length of use. However, they can include intense cravings, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and anxiety. In severe cases, withdrawal from fentanyl may require medical supervision to safely manage symptoms.
Overdose
The most significant danger of fentanyl use is the risk of overdose. Due to its potency, it can be easy for individuals to take too much and experience respiratory depression or failure, leading to death. This risk is heightened when fentanyl is used in combination with other substances, such as alcohol or sedatives.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, we have trained medical staff who are experienced in assisting individuals going through fentanyl withdrawal. Our approach to detoxification includes 24/7 medical monitoring and support, as well as personalized treatment plans to address the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
Our goal is to make the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible while providing our clients with the tools they need for long-term recovery. We offer medication-assisted treatment, evidence-based therapies, and holistic practices to help ease physical discomfort and promote relaxation during this challenging time.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, know that there is hope for recovery. Our team at Royal Life Centers is here to support and guide you through every step of the detox process. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized fentanyl detox program and start your journey toward lasting sobriety. Because we care.
What To Expect in Fentanyl Rehab
Fentanyl addiction treatment usually begins in a medical detox, allowing for a safe withdrawal process under close medical supervision. Fentanyl detox usually lasts a few days until a doctor deems you medically cleared. Following detox, most move onto an inpatient or outpatient facility, depending on their needs.
Everyone has different needs when it comes to treating fentanyl use disorder. Severity can range from mild to severe depending on how many symptoms you are suffering from. Based on thorough assessments and evaluations, your clinical team will decide the most effective treatment plan for you. For instance, medical professionals may prescribe medication to help with the symptoms, such as clonidine for anxiety and muscle pain, or anti-nausea medication.
Does Insurance Cover Fentanyl Rehab?
The cost of rehab and insurance coverage will probably play a large part in deciding which fentanyl rehab facility you attend. In-network drug rehabs are almost always going to be less expensive than an out-of-network center.
The easiest way to find out what your cost is going to be, is to call the facility for an insurance verification. It’s free and takes the hassle out of calling your insurance company directly, which can sometimes be frustrating.
Royal Life Centers makes verifying your insurance easy, whether you choose to fill out our free and no-obligation insurance verification tool, or if you choose to call us directly.
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