4 Things You Should Know About Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is a powerful artificial opioid used to treat excruciating pain. However, many users are abusing it due to heightened feelings of relaxation, sedation, and euphoria, resulting in a higher number of individuals getting overdosed. 

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In addition, fentanyl is proven to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it extremely dangerous and harmful when abused. In fact, most drug-related deaths in the United States alone are because of synthetic opioid misuse. 

With that in mind, if you or a loved one is suffering from fentanyl addiction, it would be best to ask for help from local rehab facilities or visit https://www.jacksonhouserehab.com/treatment-program/fentanyl-addiction/. Together with medical professionals, they can help you or your loved ones bring back the quality of life you previously had before falling victim to this drug. 

On the other hand, fentanyl is prescribed by most doctors not just for treating pains but also for other illnesses and complications. These include cancer, severe injuries, post-operative syndrome, and nerve damage. It will be safe for you as long as it’s being utilized under medical supervision. 

Because of its hazardous effects on humans, you might want to learn some important things about fentanyl addiction, such as:

• What Are The Signs Of Fentanyl Abuse?

Symptoms of fentanyl may vary, depending on how much you use and how often you take it. However, the same experience may apply to anyone who abuses it. The drug stimulates your brain to produce synthetic endorphins that block your body’s pain receptors, resulting in feelings of extreme pleasure and euphoria.

Because of this reaction, it will be difficult for your body to stop producing endorphins, which is why it’s also challenging for most teens to ignore its temptations. 

Since younger people are the primary victims of fentanyl, medical professionals advise regularly monitoring everyone who belongs to this age group. With regards to that, here are the possible symptoms you’ll need to observe:

• An extreme palpitation or heartbeat
• Respiratory problems, such as slow breathing and shallow breathing
• Abnormal thoughts and hallucinations
• Loss of body coordination and balance
• Dry mouth and tight throat
• Loss of concentration and focus
• Constricted pupils

In addition, symptoms of fentanyl abuse may be associated with skin conditions, such as skin discoloration, rashes, and itching. If you or your loved ones experience these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to call your doctor and seek help immediately. 

If you fail to get help, there’s a high chance of experiencing hypoxia or loss of oxygen in the brain. This can lead to permanent comatose or even death. The overdose can be treated using naloxone, which stops the effects of fentanyl. However, many dosages may be required since the synthetic drug is too potent.

 

• What Are The Signs Of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

When you suddenly stop using fentanyl, there’s a high risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These usually emerge as soon as within 12 hours since the last dosage of fentanyl. Symptoms may last up to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. 

Below are the most common withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl abuse:

• Severe pain throughout the body
• Sleeping problems, such as insomnia and sleep deprivation
• Easily agitated
• Chills and sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Persistent diarrhea
• Runny or watery nose
• Fast breathing and increased heart rate
• Joint and back pain

There’s a rule of thumb regarding drug addiction: it’s important not to stop the use of drugs suddenly. It’s because withdrawal symptoms that may emerge can be very uncomfortable. So, it would be best to seek assistance from rehab facilities that provide medication-assisted therapy, particularly substitution therapy.

However, the therapy may even last for years before the patient becomes fully detoxified from fentanyl. This means that the presence of the drug has been thoroughly eradicated from one’s body.

 

• What Is Detoxification For Fentanyl Addiction?

The treatment for fentanyl addiction starts with detoxification, which can be inpatient or outpatient, depending on your needs. Inpatient detoxification is done by becoming a temporary resident in a rehab facility. Here, you’re constantly being monitored 24/7, helping you eradicate the drugs completely from your body.

On the other hand, outpatient detoxification happens within your home. This is advised for people who are not severely damaged and addicted to the drug. Also, this is a good option for students who are currently enrolled and need to attend classes, and it’s for people who are currently employed. 

Moreover, the main purpose of detoxification is to remove any trace of the drug in one’s body. It uses medications to stop cravings and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Your doctor may prescribe methadone and buprenorphine to treat brain receptors damaged by fentanyl. 

These drugs have been proven to be successful in increasing 

As mentioned above, naloxone may also be administered to stop fentanyl from damaging your brain further.

• What Are Other Treatment Options For Fentanyl Addiction? 

After detoxification, you may be required to undergo one or more different treatments and therapies. Make sure to consult with your doctor to find out the best treatment plan. You may also consider consulting with a professional rehabilitation therapist for other options. 

Here are other types of therapies that may be offered to you:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy focuses on correcting the patient’s way of thinking, emphasizing critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Contingency Management (CM): This therapy focuses on giving patients with good records rewards. For example, if someone can show consistent negative drug screenings, they will be given an amusement park ticket.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): This therapy is an effective way to encourage and motivate patients to undergo a series of treatment procedures.

Another form of helpful therapy is Motivational Interviewing. This therapy helps and guides a person to understand their own definition of addiction and try to come up with a treatment plan based on their understanding. 

Furthermore, other therapies may include the matrix model and the 12-step therapy. If you want to know more, you may contact your local rehab and ask how these can help you solve your fentanyl addiction problems. 

 

Final Words

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used to alleviate severe and intense pain. However, many individuals, particularly teens and younger adults, fall victim to these drugs, resulting in an addiction that should be stopped immediately. 

If you or a loved one is taking fentanyl for medical reasons, it’s best to observe some symptoms for possible overdosage to prevent further addiction. Also, you may consider asking your doctor and other therapists for a comprehensive treatment and therapy plan if there’s drug misuse.