Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
Table of Contents
Drug overdoses from January to December 2021 caused 108,000 deaths. Out of these deaths, more than 71,000 involved a Fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate drug that’s highly addictive.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers it a Schedule II controlled substance. This is because despite having therapeutic value, it has high abuse potential. Patients often get fentanyl prescriptions for post-operative pain and breakthrough cancer pain. Unfortunately, it also gets into the hands of drug abusers who sell it on the black market.
Pacific Palms Recovery in San Diego, California, can provide specialized care for opioid and fentanyl addiction. Fentanyl rehab programs teach coping skills and addiction recovery techniques. The goal is to prevent relapse after breaking the addiction cycle and achieve long-term recovery.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug taken in various forms, including tablets, pills, and patches. Users can also inject it under the skin. Once it enters the bloodstream, it acts on opioid receptors in the brain and produces substantial pain relief.
Because of its potent analgesic effect, Fentanyl is significant as a medication for many patients. These may include chronic pain patients, cancer patients, and those undergoing surgery. However, it also poses serious risks, which include respiratory depression, extreme sedation, and even death.
Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. Therefore, only doctors registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can prescribe it. Due to the risk of overdose, fentanyl patches, lozenges, sprays, and pills are regulated by law enforcement agencies.
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that requires medical supervision. People who take high doses of Fentanyl can develop an addiction. Pacific Palms Recovery is here to help people recover from fentanyl abuse and addiction.
Signs of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl is one of the most potent synthetic opiates available and is 50 times stronger than pure heroin. For this reason, it’s hazardous and potentially fatal when abused. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl is the primary cause of accidental deaths involving pharmaceutical opioids. A small amount of fentanyl can cause death due to respiratory depression.
The most common fentanyl abuse symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Extreme changes in behavior
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hyperventilation
- Coma
- Cold hands
- Shivering
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid drug that’s 100 times stronger than morphine. Yet, some doctors prescribe it off-label to treat chronic pain or cancer patients. While taking too much Fentanyl is rare, it is possible.
Users who feel an abnormal sensation such as numbness or tingling in their extremities may be experiencing an overdose. In addition, users experiencing breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical attention.
- Small and constricted pupils
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slowed or non-existent breathing
- Choking sounds
- Limp body
- Cold or clammy skin
Swollen Face
Swollen faces indicate opioid toxicity, which could indicate an overdose. This symptom usually occurs within minutes after someone takes their last dose.
Dilated Pupils
Pupils may dilate due to a fentanyl overdose. Opiates block neurotransmitters in the brain and cause constriction of blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. Naloxone reverses this effect and allows the neurotransmitters to work normally again.
Slow Breathing
Breathing extremely slowly is a sign of respiratory depression caused by Fentanyl overdose. Overdose victims often breathe at less than ten breaths per minute. If this happens, resuscitation should begin immediately. Keep trying to wake the person until they are conscious.
Skin Rash
Itching, burning, swelling, and blisters developing on the skin are all symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose. The rash may start at the injection site but usually spreads throughout the body.
Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse
Outpatient rehab for fentanyl can include holistic treatment methods and evidence-based therapies. Medication management may be needed depending on diagnosis and symptoms. A customized treatment plan can be developed to best fit individual needs.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatments (MATs) help patients achieve and maintain a state of complete abstinence from illicit substances. MAT mainly treats opioid addictions. While evidence suggests that MATs prevent relapse, many MAT programs require patients to attend weekly sessions.
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an overdose caused by Fentanyl and its analogs. It does this by binding to the receptors in the brain and blocking the activity of opiates. Naloxone prevents respiratory depression caused by opioids. This action helps reduce the euphoria associated with taking drugs. Naloxone should only be used to treat a person who has overdosed on opiates.
Methadone maintenance therapy treats opioid addiction. It is a synthetic opiate that helps patients wean off heroin and other opioids. Methadone does not cause euphoria despite binding to opiate receptors in the brain. Most methadone users can gradually reduce their dose until they reach a level where they feel comfortable without using drugs.
Life Skills
Life skills can help recovering addicts establish the root cause of addiction and develop strategies to improve mental health. Setting and achieving personal goals are taught during life skills. The outpatient treatment program develops stress management, social skills, financial responsibility, and healthy habits.
Life Coaching
Life coaching is based on a shared feeling of trust and empathy between the counselor and patient. Accepting oneself while being ready to make changes is imperative during treatment. This type of coaching focuses on developing a better quality of life while gaining support.
Relapse Prevention
A relapse prevention plan is developed with a certified relapse prevention counselor. Negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger cravings for drugs and alcohol are uncovered. Helping identify and avoid high-risk situations can help with long-term recovery.
Our Fentanyl Rehab in San Diego, CA
Fentanyl often treats pain after surgery or for people who have chronic pain. However, it is very potent and carries a high risk for abuse and addiction. Those struggling with fentanyl abuse have several treatment options, including fentanyl rehabs, counseling, and medication assistance programs.
Pacific Palms Recovery offers comprehensive fentanyl and opioid outpatient treatment program in Oceanside, CA. We are equipped with resources and services to help you and your loved ones on the road to recovery.
