Fentanyl Rehab

Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

When discussing the opioid epidemic in the United States, many often think of illicit drugs such as heroin. However, fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is increasingly becoming a significant player in this crisis. 

If you or someone you care about is grappling with an addiction, reaching out for help through a specialized fentanyl addiction treatment program is crucial for achieving a successful recovery.

The United States has dealt with several drug epidemics in the past. The current opioid crisis is similar to the meth epidemic of the 1990s and the crack epidemic of the 1980s. All three have caused thousands of deaths and are serious threats to public safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of opioid overdose deaths in 2019 involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This powerful drug is often mixed into street drugs without users knowing, which has led to its rapid spread and high death rates. It’s essential to understand the risks of fentanyl addiction and to understand what treatment options are available.

Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid used to manage pain. It was developed in the 1960s for medical use. Fentanyl is similar to morphine but much more potent. 

Doctors mainly prescribe it for cancer patients and people undergoing surgery. It is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, which makes it very addictive and has a high potential for abuse.

Fentanyl comes in many forms, including:

• Prescription medication (Actiq, Sublimaze)
• Power or tablets produced illegally
• Mixed into other illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine

Fentanyl acts quickly by binding to opioid receptors in the body, which are primarily located in the brain regions responsible for pain and emotions.

The quick effects of this substance are beneficial for surgical patients and those in acute pain, but they also increase the risk of misuse, addiction, and overdose.

The symptoms that come with fentanyl addiction vary from person to person, but there are a few general signs to look for:

People who are addicted to fentanyl may have withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using it or cut back. These symptoms can include muscle and bone pain, cold flashes, diarrhea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, restless legs, and intense cravings.

Depending on how long and how high of a dose a person is using, the side effects of using Fentanyl can range from mild to severe.

Chronic issues make it clear that getting treatment for fentanyl addiction quickly is very important. The longer someone uses this strong opioid, the more serious their dependence becomes.

Fentanyl withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. Symptoms usually start within a few hours after the last dose. Common symptoms include yawning, runny nose, teary eyes, muscle aches, sweating, agitation, trouble sleeping, and anxiety.

As withdrawal continues, more severe symptoms can appear, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, goosebumps, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Psychological symptoms like cravings and depression can also be very distressing.

The good news is that going to a fentanyl detox program can help reduce the severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to know how long it takes to detox from fentanyl for those seeking help.

Factors such as how much fentanyl you take, how long you’ve used it, your metabolism, and your overall health can affect how long it takes to detox from fentanyl. Generally, fentanyl detox follows this pattern:

• 6-12 hours from last dose: first symptoms start to emerge.
• 1-3 days from last dose: symptoms become most severe. Physical symptoms can be very difficult to tolerate during this period.
• 4-7 days from the last dose: Physical symptoms begin to subside, but psychological symptoms may continue and cravings can worsen.
• 1-2 weeks from last dose: most physical symptoms are gone, but psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety may become apparent.
• Two weeks or more since last dose: Most symptoms have subsided at this point, but Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can last for longer periods in some people. This can include cravings, mood swings, and drowsiness.

Detoxing from fentanyl can be very risky, especially without medical help. The withdrawal symptoms can be severe, which increases the chances of relapse and overdose. It is essential for people trying to detox from fentanyl to get professional medical support. A structured treatment program can offer a safer and more comfortable environment during the detox process.

A fentanyl rehab program addresses the individual needs of each person. It typically includes therapies like counseling, support groups, and medical care to help with both physical and mental addiction issues. The goal is to create a treatment plan that supports recovery and long-term health.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
2. United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Facts About Fentanyl
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Fentanyl DrugFacts