Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is derived from morphine, but is 50-100 times more potent. The substance can come from a prescription, but is often made illegally on the streets. It has legitimate medical applications, such as controlling severe pain after surgery or injury. However, synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the most common substance leading to drug overdose deaths in America. Fentanyl always requires detox to begin recovery, and the process should always be done under medical supervision.
Understanding the Dangers of Fentanyl Use
When properly prescribed, fentanyl is given as a shot, patch, or dissolvable lozenges. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is created as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put into eye drops and nasal sprays, and of course, pill form. It’s important to note that prescription fentanyl is less associated with overdose and death. Illegally created fentanyl is the more dangerous substance when it comes to overdose. This is due in part to the fact that its potency is not regulated.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is dangerous because its potency is not regulated, nor are its ingredients. Some street manufacturers mix other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine into their substance. This makes it cheaper to manufacture, but more dangerous for consumers.
These illegal practices are what make illegal fentanyl more likely to cause overdose that results in death. Users do not know what is in their “fentanyl” and it is often stronger opioids than their body can handle. Mixing multiple substances is always dangerous, especially when fentanyl is involved. Likewise, in the event of an overdose – medical teams cannot properly know what has been consumed when immediately responding to an overdose from illegal fentanyl.
How Does Fentanyl Impact Users?
Fentanyl affects the brain in a similar way to other opioids, but stronger. The substance binds to the body’s opioid receptors – the sections of the brain that control pain and emotion. When abused over the long-term it becomes difficult for users to feel pleasure from anything aside from the drug. This is one of the main reasons that individuals become addicted to fentanyl.
Other effects of fentanyl use include:
- extreme happiness
- drowsiness
- nausea
- confusion
- constipation
- sedation
- problems breathing
- unconsciousness
These symptoms are exacerbated with heavier consumption. As the body builds up a tolerance to fentanyl, stronger doses are needed to feel the same effects.
Fentanyl Detox & Addiction Treatment
When an individual is addicted to fentanyl, detox is the first step in recovery. Detoxing from the potent substance often results in discomfort and stress for an individual, which is why medical supervision is necessary. Withdrawal symptoms typically start within a few hours after the last use, and peak within one to three days. However, for those in heavier addiction or that have been using for extended periods of time, the timeline may be longer and more intense.
During fentanyl detox, doctors will prescribe different medications to ease pain and discomfort, while also curbing cravings. Medications used during the detox process include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Clonidine
Doctors and clinicians will adjust a client’s prescription and treatment plan as needed for the best recovery outcomes.
Once a client completes the detox process, they will move into a residential rehab program. This is incredibly important for relapse prevention and sustainable sobriety. They will continue getting the support they need to recover safely and with confidence. They will have access to 24/7 medical care, and will participate in different therapies and programming to learn sober coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies.
After graduating from residential care, it’s recommended that clients in fentanyl addiction recovery participate in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP). It’s important to remember recovery and sobriety is not linear. It has ups and downs, good days and bad days. Despite this, having continued support of a medically backed detox and addiction recovery program is a surefire way to get sustainable results that last a lifetime.
Find a Fentanyl Detox Center Near You
If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it’s important to intervene early. It could save a life. At Solution Based Treatment we offer a comprehensive detox and addiction treatment program that supports clients from start to finish, and beyond into sobriety. Don’t walk the path to recovery alone – give Solution Based Treatment a call and we’ll lead the way. We accept most major insurance providers and work with you to find a program that meets your personal and financial needs. Give us a call today.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.