Understanding fentanyl addiction and its corresponding signs can help you or a loved one successfully overcome it. Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that can wreak havoc in an individual’s life. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of fentanyl and the signs of fentanyl addiction.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used primarily to treat patients with severe pain following surgery. When taken under the care of a physician, fentanyl is administered through an injection, transdermal patch, or in lozenges. However, people also use fentanyl on the streets for different purposes that pose a danger.
Fentanyl on the streets has been linked to a recent surge of overdoses. It’s generally sold as a powder, mixed with heroin, or as tablets similar to opioids. Fentanyl users tend to swallow, snort, or inject it.
Like other opioids, fentanyl binds to the body’s opioid receptors which increases dopamine levels in the brain. This produces a state of euphoria and relaxation.
Illegal fentanyl can take three main forms:
Generally, fentanyl users obtain the drug from illegal manufacturers. In many cases, heroin users turn to fentanyl as a substitute to mitigate the side effects of heroin withdrawal. In other scenarios, heroin or cocaine users may accidentally take fentanyl. This is because heroin and cocaine manufacturers will use fentanyl powder to reduce costs while also increasing potency. Illegal manufacturers may also produce tablets that mimic other opioids using fentanyl.
Doctors use brand-name fentanyl to alleviate chronic pain, such as after surgery or during cancer treatment, and breakthrough pain. Some brand names include:
In 2011, oxycodone was one of the main drugs linked to overdose deaths. Starting in 2012 and lasting until 2015, heroin surpassed painkillers in overdose deaths. Then fentanyl came along. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even called fentanyl “the third wave” of the opioid epidemic.
By 2016, overdose deaths caused by fentanyl became the most common. Research shows that the rate of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl doubled each year from 2013 to 2016.
In 2017, these numbers continued to rise, as stated by a CDC data brief. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl had risen to 9 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.2 per 100,000 in 2016.
Fentanyl addiction is a chronic disease that seriously impacts the brain and body. It also causes severe damage in the individual’s life, from relationships to work-related issues. If you need to use the substance regularly, you most likely have a fentanyl addiction. In other words, addicts feel like they can’t function without it.
Physical and physiological dependence occurs as a result of chronic usage. Generally, you can recognize addiction through a severe loss of control. This can include continued use despite serious consequences, making using a priority, as well as failed attempts to quit.
Fortunately, recognizing the symptoms of fentanyl addiction can help you or a loved one choose from seeking help. Symptoms of fentanyl addiction include but are not limited to:
Abruptly stopping fentanyl abuse can cause uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs as a result of your body’s physical dependence on the drug over time. When you suddenly stop using the drug, your body needs time to adjust.
The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on a few factors. For one, the severity of the addiction plays a large role. Also, how long the individual was using the drug, as well as how long.
The more severe the addiction to fentanyl, the more chronic the withdrawal symptoms are as a result. Although they differ depending on the person, there are common withdrawal symptoms that most will experience.
Those with a history of fentanyl addiction generally build a stronger opioid dependence. Consequently, this can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and irregular heart rate.
Fentanyl addiction treatment targets different parts of the addiction, as well as any co-occurring disorders present. We apply various components and evidence-based methods in our program to ensure long-term fentanyl addiction treatment success.
A medically supervised detox is crucial when fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are severe. The process of detoxification in a medical setting helps to alleviate the pain and severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Detox is a process in which a licensed medical team supervises an individual while he or she stops taking a substance. This process helps rid harmful toxins in your body caused by fentanyl addiction. Through detox, your body begins to heal.
Detox is generally the first component of a comprehensive treatment plan for fentanyl addiction. Following detox, the core components of fentanyl addiction treatment can then begin. Each individual will have a tailored fentanyl addiction treatment plan based on their unique needs and circumstances.
You may be asking yourself, what else does fentanyl addiction treatment include? See below for other treatment services that our recovery center offers.
We tailor every treatment plan that we create to each individual patient. The combination of therapies and services used will differ from person to person.
However, the core of our treatment will generally include:
Seeking help for fentanyl addiction can save lives. Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that can lead to many long-term issues and even death. We urge you to take action and seek help, whether it’s you or a loved one who’s affected. Through the highest quality treatment, you can turn your life around.
We pride ourselves on the Golden Rule, which tells us to treat others the way you wish to be treated. Harmony Ridge staff treats each team member with dignity and respect, no matter their position.
We believe that treating and overcoming addiction is personal. Addiction has affected every single member of the Harmony Ridge family in some way. Some of us have personally achieved recovery, while others have loved ones who have been impacted by the disease.
It’s our goal for every member of our recovery center to feel safe, secure, and welcome. The Harmony Ridge Recovery Center team is here to help you or your loved one every step of the way. If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact us today. We’re waiting for your call.
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html