Fentanyl is often prescribed for severe pain cases. Like most prescription drugs, they can be abused, resulting in addiction and other effects. It’s when treatment becomes necessary.
There are various side effects when an individual abuses fentanyl, and it’s essential to be aware of the dangers and signs involved with fentanyl abuse. When left untreated, it may result in overdose or death.
If you or your loved one struggles with fentanyl abuse, click on this or read below to learn more information. Once you know more about fentanyl abuse, it’s easy to make a well-informed decision, especially when it comes to choosing the best treatment methods.
An Overview Of Fentanyl Abuse
People who abuse Fentanyl may experience various effects on their bodies and mind over time. It may also be dangerous due to its powerful effects. Unlike other substances, Fentanyl blocks the brain’s pain receptors and boosts dopamine, a happiness-inducing chemical.
Others misuse Fentanyl for its euphoric effects. Drug misuse happens when somebody takes drugs that weren’t prescribed to them or in some ways that their doctor didn’t intend.
Fentanyl is abused in some ways and remains a harmful opioid. Other illegally used fentanyl versions are made in laboratories. Typically, it’s sold unlawfully in powder form, placed in nasal sprays, eye droppers, and mock pill form. Some drug dealers may also combine Fentanyl with other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, to create an intense high.
Who’s Most Likely To Abuse Fentanyl?
Individuals who rely on Fentanyl for pain management may become dependent on it. The drug’s potency is to blame for its ability to be habit-forming. Most people who begin taking Fentanyl may find themselves dependent on it. They may experience painful and severe withdrawal symptoms once they miss or skip a dose.
Signs And Symptoms Of Fentanyl Abuse
Like other opioid-related drugs, Fentanyl may last longer in your system. Abusing it also has behavioral, physical, and emotional signs, which may include:
- Intense fentanyl cravings
- Moodiness
- Swollen feet and hands
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
If a person takes it not as prescribed, Fentanyl can be deadly. Some signs of an overdose may include coma, unresponsiveness, confusion, death, and blue-tinged fingernails and lips.
It’s crucial to call the emergency hotline if you think someone is experiencing such signs. When an individual gets quick help from emergency responders, medical professionals may reverse the drug’s effects and save the patient’s life.
Side Effects Of Fentanyl Abuse
The side effects of fentanyl abuse may vary from one person to another, but they can be deadly and dangerous. One of the common side effects is the onset of addiction. Once your body continues to receive Fentanyl, it makes adjustments to build tolerance. It requires an individual to take more Fentanyl to achieve the desired high.
There’s a danger associated with tolerance. As your fentanyl intake increases, so does the risk of dangerous side effects. Even if your body promotes survival, when drugs are introduced to your system, your body turns into a potential destruction engine.
Withdrawal Symptoms Of Fentanyl Abuse
When somebody suddenly stops consuming Fentanyl without undergoing a proper detox program, withdrawal symptoms may occur. These may differ based on the period and dose the person has been taking.
The Fentanyl withdrawal timeline may last for months or weeks, depending on how much Fentanyl you take and how long you use it. It also depends on whether some medications were used to overcome fentanyl abuse and what medications were used.
The common withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Sweats
- Chills
- Irritability
- Inability to think logically
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Feeling overwhelmed by emotions
It’s challenging to stop taking Fentanyl without a professional’s help. Once you experience the above symptoms, consult a health professional immediately.
Treatment Methods For Fentanyl Abuse
The road to recovery isn’t always easy. It can be painful and uncomfortable, but proper treatment is necessary. Fortunately, there are various treatment methods you can choose from to break free from fentanyl abuse.
With the right treatment, recovery is achievable and possible. All you need is to select the one suitable for your needs from the following options:
- Detox Program
Among other fentanyl abuse treatment methods, a detox program is essential. It helps tame some intense withdrawal symptoms and often lasts for at least a week. But it can sometimes extend up to 10 days or a few weeks. Other patients may also need less or more time, as detox is unique for every person.
Treatment centers offer detox programs depending on the patient’s specific needs. In residential facilities, detox is also known as medical detox and includes mental health and medical support provided by professionals.
During detox, professionals will monitor the patient’s vital signs to ensure safety. Medications are also administered to help patients deal with physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
In other cases, Fentanyl is replaced by another opioid agonist during detox. Moreover, combination medications are used post-detox, and some opioids are flushed out of your body.
However, it’s crucial to remember that detox alone isn’t enough. But depending on the outcome, detoxing may help you choose a more suitable treatment option.
- Medications
Since Fentanyl is a powerful drug, healthcare professionals may recommend several medications during treatment. Such medications are used to bind the brain’s opioid receptors like Fentanyl. These may help lessen the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the intense cravings for Fentanyl.
Some of the medications that healthcare professionals may recommend include the following:
- Buprenorphine: Taken sublingually, buprenorphine is a medication renowned for interacting with the same chemical messengers influenced by Fentanyl and other opioids. It enables you to deal with withdrawal symptoms and prevents cravings. Compared to some medications, it doesn’t cause a high.
- Naltrexone: It’s a safe medication necessary every month to avoid opioid cravings.
- Methadone: Often used by people who have serious misuse of opioids, methadone prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms from opioids. Because Fentanyl is a potent opioid, this medication can be used as an alternative medication for those abusing potent opioids like Fentanyl.
The proper medication for every patient may depend on various factors. Patients should discuss with their doctor or talk with a therapist to know the best medication ideal for their needs.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
People who abuse Fentanyl may deal with other mental health disorders. Most recovering patients may battle a combination of mental health disorders and substance use. In this case, it’s vital to consider a dual diagnosis treatment, which may help improve one’s chances of recovery.
Unlike other methods, dual diagnosis treatment includes behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment. Other treatment centers may also include support groups and counseling in their dual diagnosis treatment program.
- Therapy Options
People should know that fentanyl abuse or addiction is more than a physical dilemma. It also has various mental effects that you must be aware of. To help you recover successfully, you can opt for different therapy options for fentanyl abuse, which may include:
- Group Therapy: It’s an excellent option to open up and share your story and struggles with people in the same situation.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It’s a widely used therapy method that helps keep triggers under control and manage stress. It also focuses on changing the patient’s behaviors and thoughts.
- Motivational Interviewing: This form of therapy helps motivate the patient and helps them embrace change for the better.
Depending on your preferences or unique needs, you can select any therapy you prefer. For best results, let your healthcare professionals help you choose the best one ideal for your situation.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A PHP for fentanyl abuse is an intensive method. While under this program, patients can have the freedom to stay anywhere. They can attend the program during the day and rest at home. Patients also participate in individual and group therapy and other activities, encouraging sobriety and healing.
Once patients complete PHP, they may transition to another less intensive outpatient treatment program. It enables them to continue getting support while returning to their daily lives.
- Peer Support Groups
Patients may consider joining peer support groups. Specialists agree that social interaction can be helpful to one’s recovery. So, whether you receive group or individual outpatient therapy, you’re encouraged to participate in various peer support groups.
A peer support group reminds patients that they’re never alone and that others are also trying to recover. This way, they’re more likely to reach their goals and combat fentanyl abuse effectively.
- Fentanyl Rehab Treatment Programs
Fentanyl abuse is a serious matter. Trying to recover without professional assistance and proper treatment can be challenging. With this in mind, you should consider fentanyl rehab programs that offer long-term treatment for patients to overcome fentanyl abuse.
There are two types of rehab treatment programs for fentanyl abuse, which include the following:
- Inpatient Rehab
An inpatient rehab program is also known as residential treatment, which requires patients to live in a supervised facility to overcome fentanyl abuse. Patients must stay at the facility for weeks or months with emotional and medical support.
During the process, patients can focus on getting sober without getting distracted. A normal day in an inpatient rehab center involves scheduling therapy sessions and some activities promoting recovery.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors will meet the patient’s family individually and in a group to guide patients through the program. The standard inpatient rehab program runs for at least a month or a year.
The first step is getting a medical detox when patients are already evaluated. Physicians and specialists will monitor the vital signs. During detox, patients may experience withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, which can be complicated to overcome and may result in relapse. This is why constant medical care is provided to protect patients from cravings.
Treatment staff can provide medical expertise and medications to calm one’s withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Depending on your preferred rehab center, a therapist is assigned to every patient to overcome fentanyl abuse.
- Outpatient Rehab
An outpatient rehab program is less restrictive than an inpatient treatment program. Patients typically spend 10 to 12 hours weekly visiting a rehab treatment center.
Outpatient rehab programs are essential standalone options for people with mild addiction. They can also be an additional phase of long-term treatment plans. In most cases, outpatient rehab programs last for three to six months or up to a year.
Outpatient rehab programs can also give patients the freedom to stay at home during the treatment. People undergoing outpatient rehab can continue working or stay close to their friends and family.
Patients with moderate or mild withdrawal symptoms may find outpatient detox a suitable option for inpatient detox. It’s effective, safe, and takes less time than a residential detox. Medical practitioners may also administer medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
These are some of the treatment methods for fentanyl abuse. Since treatment is subjective, you should understand that some treatments may not work for you. To help you make the right choice, get help from professionals to know more about every treatment option.
How To Choose A Fentanyl Rehab Center
When choosing a rehab center to overcome fentanyl abuse, there are several things you need to consider. Unfortunately, with the number of rehab centers in the market, the selection process can be hard. If you want to recover from fentanyl abuse, the following factors may help you choose the best rehab center:
- Long-Term And Aftercare Support
Fentanyl abuse may cause changes in your brain and how you think. It frequently means that you may not be able to return to normal, particularly if you’re vulnerable to relapse.
With that in mind, one of the factors you need to consider when searching for a rehab center is to check if it offers long-term treatment and aftercare support. Although rehab centers have different approaches, the best one offers aftercare or long-term support to help patients recover effectively.
- Accreditation
Each rehab center needs to have federal accreditation to operate. If your chosen rehab center doesn’t have accreditation, look for another option. Ensure it’s accredited and legal to provide services for patients dealing with fentanyl abuse and other drug use disorders.
Choosing the right rehab center for fentanyl abuse can make a difference in your recovery. If you don’t want to waste your time and resources, consider the above factors to make a wise selection.
Conclusion
Fentanyl abuse is never easy to beat. However, despite the difficulties, overcoming them is possible. There are various treatment options and support groups you can consider to avoid fentanyl abuse’s devastating consequences. With the right treatment, it’s possible to get your life back on track.