The potent opioid fentanyl is often used to treat severe pain. It is considered more powerful than other types of opioids, and its illicit use has become increasingly common in recent years. With such widespread use, you may wonder how fentanyl affects the body. Keep reading for an overview of the drug, fentanyl signs to look out for, and treatment options!
Principles Recovery Center is a South Florida drug rehab that offers treatment for fentanyl addiction and recovery.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Doctors prescribe it to treat severe chronic and acute short-term pain from surgery or injury.
Fentanyl comes in several forms, including patches, lozenges or lollipops, injections, nasal sprays, and tablets.
It can also be illegally made in clandestine laboratories and sold on the black market.
How Common is Fentanyl Use in America?
In 2020, it was reported that fentanyl was responsible for more than half of all opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States.
This is because of its extreme potency and availability on the black market.
The most affected areas are those states that have seen an increase in the availability of illicitly made fentanyl.
What Are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Use?
The symptoms of fentanyl use can vary and depend on the amount taken, how it was taken, any other substances that may be taken with it, and the user’s mental health and physical condition.
Commonly reported symptoms include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Depressed breathing rate
- Slowed heart rate
What Are the Risks of Taking Fentanyl?
Using fentanyl carries serious risks. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can cause physical and psychological dependence, coma, or even death.
The risk of an overdose is also higher with fentanyl because of its potency, and it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
What Happens if Someone Overdoses on Fentanyl?
Accidental drug overdose because of illicit fentanyl use is one of the biggest dangers of the drug.
Because of its potency, users may accidentally take too much and suffer from severe side effects, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow breathing rate leading to respiratory failure
- Coma
- Death
In addition, potential liver damage caused by frequent use can lead to long-term health issues if not caught early on and treated appropriately.
What Are Treatments for Fentanyl Use?
Treatment options are available for those struggling with an addiction to fentanyl.
Addiction treatment often begins with drug detox using medications like methadone or buprenorphine helps reduce cravings while preventing fentanyl withdrawal symptoms during recovery from addiction.
Then a combination approach using behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), often has the most recovery success.
Other support services are also available such as:
- Counseling sessions
- Dual-diagnosis treatment
- Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery
- Outpatient or residential rehab programs
In addition, aftercare programs may help those recovering from substance abuse disorders stay on track toward achieving their goals regarding sobriety.
Principles Recovery Offers Treatment for Fentanyl Signs in Florida
Principles Recovery specializes in treating individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
Our team of experienced professionals can help those struggling with fentanyl addiction or other opioid addictions develop a customized treatment plan that meets their specific needs.
We understand this problem’s severity and prioritize ensuring everyone receives the individualized care they need to work toward long-term recovery. Reach out to us today, and let’s start the journey toward better health together!
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