Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has 50 to 100 times the potency of morphine. In addition to its strength, the drug delivers its effects immediately. Those effects, however, do not last long. Doctors most often prescribe fentanyl for “breakthrough” pain — pain which other narcotic medications can’t control — or for post-operative pain. Classified as a Schedule II drug, fentanyl has both medical benefits and a high potential for abuse.

The forms the drug takes also make it more dangerous. Besides pills and injections, fentanyl comes in dissolvable lozenges, lollipops, and patches. Users taking fentanyl through these alternate means can easily overdose since only a small amount separates a medically useful does from a lethal one.

Several factors add to Fentanyl’s dangers. As a synthetic drug, users can often obtain fentanyl more easily than other illicit drugs and it frequently costs less. Also, since illicit drug makers often incorporate fentanyl into other drugs, users may have taken fentanyl without even realizing it.

A recent study illustrates these dangers. Deaths from synthetic opioids doubled between 2013 and 2014 and in 2014, 30,000 deaths from overdose occurred. A medically supervised detox and integrated rehabilitation offer the only sure way to break fentanyl addiction and avoid the high risks of overdose and death.

Short-term Effects of Fentanyl Use

Use of fentanyl even for a short time can produce many negative side effects including:

itchy skin
muscle stiffness
weakness
dizziness and lightheadedness
impaired motor skills
drowsiness
constricted pupils
nausea and/or vomiting
difficulty breathing
depressed heart-rate
tremors
slurred speech
weight loss
confusion
hallucinations

Long-term Effects of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

Abusing fentanyl for a long period or addiction to the drug can lead to many life-threatening conditions including:

difficulty breathing
severe gastrointestinal problems
weakened immune system
seizures
lethargy
withdrawal from social situations
changes in personality
delusions
paranoia

Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Withdrawal from fentanyl shares many devastating symptoms in common with withdrawal from other narcotics including:

chills
abdominal pain
appetite loss
diarrhea
weakness
joint and muscle pain
shaking and tremors
irritability
restlessness
confusion

Why Fentanyl Detox Requires Medical Supervision

You will most likely not break free from fentanyl’s addictive power on your own. Once your body has acclimated to the presence of the drug, you will experience powerful cravings. Also, as the drug passes from your body, the negative symptoms you will experience will often quickly lead you back to using as a way to eliminate them. Only a medically supervised detox can ensure your comfort and safety and provide you with alternative ways to manage your transition without a relapse.

The Gardens Wellness Center also understands that many individuals may have a fear or aversion to doctors based on previous negative experiences. For this reason our medical staff prioritizes your medical needs and your emotional needs as well. Our holistic medical approach ensures you will have the best possible detox experience as well as the highest level of physical safety.

How an Integrated Detox Solution Can Help You Break Free From Fentanyl

Addiction has many pathways which make treatment and recovery difficult even in the best of circumstances. You will first have to face your body’s physical dependency on the drug which, depending on your length of use, can pose a significant challenge. You will then have to face the emotional and psychological needs which either lead you to use in the first place or kept you using once introduced to the drug.

Treating only one of these conditions in isolation almost guarantees that you will use again, either to meet your physical or psychological needs. Recognizing this, The Gardens Wellness Center takes a holistic and integrated approach to fentanyl detox, treating both pathways to addiction. While our doctors help you break free from chemical dependency, our therapists and counselors can help you better understand your needs, find healthier forms of satisfaction and teach you ways to resist future use.

While you stay with us, you will find an environment focussed as much as on your well-being and comfort as on your health. Our counselors and caregivers will not only offer you the benefit of their clinical experience but also their friendship and compassion, whether you need to talk something through or just want someone to sit with you awhile. Treating all aspects of you as an individual and all aspects of your addiction will give you the highest likelihood of success.

Call The Gardens Wellness Center today at 844-828-1050 to talk about how a personalized and integrated recovery plan can you help you leave fentanyl addiction behind and begin a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.