Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, far stronger than morphine—50 to 100 times more potent. While it can be prescribed by doctors, fentanyl is often illegally made and sold on the streets. It is effective for managing severe pain after surgery or injury, but it is also the leading cause of opioid-related overdose deaths in the U.S. Recovery from fentanyl addiction begins with detox, which must be done under medical supervision for safety.
Recognizing the Risks of Fentanyl
When prescribed, fentanyl is delivered as an injection, patch, or dissolvable tablet. Illegally produced fentanyl, however, comes in many forms: powders, blotter paper, eye drops, nasal sprays, and pills. Prescription fentanyl is safer and less likely to cause overdoses compared to its illegal counterpart.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is especially dangerous because its potency and ingredients are unregulated. Many street manufacturers mix fentanyl with other substances like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine to reduce costs. These combinations increase the risk of overdose and make the drug much deadlier.
One of the greatest dangers is the unpredictability of street fentanyl. Users often don’t know what’s in the drug, and it is frequently far stronger than expected. This makes overdoses more likely and harder for medical teams to treat because the exact substances ingested are unknown.
How Fentanyl Affects the Body
Fentanyl interacts with the brain similarly to other opioids but at a much higher intensity. It binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, which regulate pain and emotions. Long-term use can make it nearly impossible for users to experience pleasure from anything except the drug, leading to addiction.
Common effects of fentanyl include:
- Intense euphoria
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion and nausea
- Constipation and sedation
- Breathing problems
- Loss of consciousness
With continued use, the body builds a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This cycle significantly increases the risk of addiction and overdose.
The Process of Fentanyl Detox
Detoxing from fentanyl is the critical first step toward recovery, but it can be physically and emotionally taxing. Medical supervision is essential to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms, which often begin within hours of the last dose. Symptoms peak between one and three days but can last longer for those with severe or prolonged use.
Doctors often prescribe medications to ease withdrawal discomfort and cravings during detox, such as:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Clonidine
Treatment plans are tailored to each person, ensuring the best chance of a safe and successful recovery.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
After detox, most clients transition to residential rehab, which plays a crucial role in preventing relapse and supporting long-term sobriety. In rehab, clients receive 24/7 medical care and participate in therapy and educational programs. These programs teach essential skills, like coping mechanisms and strategies to prevent relapse.
Following residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are often recommended. Addiction recovery is a journey with ups and downs, but ongoing support from a professional program makes lasting sobriety more attainable.
Take Action Today
If you or someone you love is battling fentanyl addiction, early intervention is key—it can save lives. At Solution Based Treatment, we provide comprehensive detox and recovery programs, guiding clients from their first steps to a lifetime of sobriety.
We accept most major insurance providers and will work with you to find a plan that fits your needs. Don’t face this challenge alone—call Solution Based Treatment today to start the path to recovery.
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.