Fentanyl is a powerful opioid used as a pain reliever for severe pain in emergencies. While it can be effective, it is also highly addictive if not used as prescribed. This can lead to a strong dependence on the drug. If you are using fentanyl without a prescription, it is essential to get help through detox and treatment.
Risks of Using Fentanyl
Fentanyl is powerful in managing severe pain, but it’s essential to use it with care due to its strength. Just a tiny dose can greatly influence brain chemistry. It’s important to be vigilant, as some substances might be mixed with fentanyl, which can raise the risk of addiction.
As a Schedule II drug, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is an impressive 100 times more potent than morphine. This medication can be used safely and effectively with proper awareness and caution.
Using fentanyl can be risky because of its unpredictable strength, with nearly 42% of tested pills having at least 2 mg—a dose that can be life-threatening.
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with fentanyl, reaching out for support and exploring drug treatment options may save a life.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
If someone is facing the challenges of fentanyl or its derivatives, they might show various signs and symptoms or withdrawal symptoms when they quit using it, such as:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Euphoria or depression
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Focused on obtaining more fentanyl
- Unable to keep up with day-to-day responsibilities
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Swollen hands and feet
- Strong cravings for Fentanyl
- High tolerance, often in search of higher doses of Fentanyl
- Rapid heart rate
Fentanyl Rehab in Florida
Florida is facing a serious opioid crisis. Many people are misusing opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin. This misuse leads to addiction and overdose, harming individuals and families.
Families deal with emotional and financial stress, while communities face problems like increased crime and high healthcare costs. It’s important to prioritize prevention, treatment, and recovery to address this issue effectively.
Florida’s substance abuse treatment programs offer a supportive structure and equip you with essential tools to embrace a lifelong journey of sobriety.
Every person’s addiction journey is distinct and shaped by their unique experiences and circumstances. Understanding these personal factors is key to providing meaningful support and effective treatment.
Florida’s addiction treatment programs are easily tailored to each patient to set them up for successful outcomes. They feature engaging group therapy for shared journeys and dedicated one-on-one counseling to tackle your unique recovery challenges effectively.
Addiction recovery is achievable for everyone, even with a busy job or family commitments. Let’s look at the options that can support your recovery journey.
What You Can Expect
Detox
Fentanyl is highly addictive and potent, beneficial for hospice care but dangerous when abused, as even small doses can be lethal.
Fentanyl works by attaching to brain receptors that signal pain and control emotions. However, it reacts so strongly that every dose is risky. Even prescribed doses of fentanyl can be dangerous and may lead to death. It must be taken with great care.
If someone uses alcohol or other drugs with fentanyl, the risks increase. Some drugs, like alcohol, can slow breathing even more. This can make it hard for someone using fentanyl to breathe at all.
Another concern arises for individuals attempting to quit fentanyl on their own. When you cease using it, even briefly, and then resume, you might instinctively take the same amount as before. This could be overwhelming for your system.
Your body’s tolerance might have diminished during your break, putting you at risk of an unintentional overdose. To steer clear of the risks associated with fentanyl detox, reach out to us at First Step Behavioral Health for support and guidance.
Medication
People are sometimes treated with other drugs along with fentanyl because it is such a strong medication to overcome.
Methadone and buprenorphine are two medicines that can bind to the same opioid receptors in the brain as fentanyl and, therefore, work well in helping with withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
Recent studies have come to show that these medications have been successful in helping many people reach sobriety. Your clinician will help you decide whether medication-assisted treatment is a good fit for you.
Therapy
Patients undergoing fentanyl rehab in Florida will be best supported on their journey with one or more types of therapy as part of their recovery. Therapy can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting, making it easy to continue beyond the detox period.
Each patient has different goals and will find specific forms of therapy more appealing than others. Your clinician will guide you through some of the most common forms of therapy used for fentanyl addiction. Some of the common therapy options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a popular therapy approach that focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors. It can help manage stress and keep triggers under control.
- Motivational Interviewing: Assists in motivating the individual and convincing them to accept positive change.
- Group therapy: Engaging in different group therapy models is an excellent way to share your story and open up about your struggles with others going through similar experiences.
These are just a few of the most common addiction treatment options. Treatment is entirely subjective; some options may be more effective for you than others. The clinicians at First Step will work with you to determine your best therapy options.
Find a Fentanyl Rehab Program in Florida at First Step Behavioral Health
To talk to a caring member of our team about getting help for your fentanyl addiction, call First Step Behavioral Health. Our fentanyl rehabilitation program is designed to give you the tools and support you need to overcome your addiction and achieve long-term recovery.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Information About Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Fentanyl Drug Facts
