Fentanyl is an opioid that effectively eliminates pain. Although the drug does have viable medicinal purposes, the drug is highly addictive, amazingly 100 times stronger than morphine. Learn more about the dangers of fentanyl abuse.
About Fentanyl
A Schedule II opioid, fentanyl relieves pain quickly. Its effects also wear off quickly, so people using the drug use it more and more often to satisfy their urge for the euphoric, relaxing high.
People start abusing fentanyl for a variety of reasons. Some gain a doctor’s prescription for fentanyl patches, lollipops, dissolving tongue film, or dissolving pills. They take fentanyl as prescribed at first, but then fall victim to the drug’s attractive high and take more than they should or use it too often. Others become dependent on the drug after using it as prescribed, without abusing it at all.
On the street, fentanyl abuse is rampant. Users widely seek it out for its powerful pain relief and relaxing high. In fact, some illicit drug manufacturers mix fentanyl into heroin or cocaine. While adding fentanyl to these drugs increases the effects, it also makes them even more dangerous.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl abuse signs and symptoms include confusion, depression, problems walking, muscle stiffness, slow heart rate, slow breathing, weakness, dizziness, shaking, and sleepiness. Individuals may also exhibit weight loss, itching, scratching, pinpoint pupils, nausea, and vomiting. They slur their speech and have visual hallucinations.
Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
Using fentanyl for a long period leads to many ill physical and psychological effects. Moreover, physical effects include constipation, bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, weakened immune system, breathing problems and seizures. Psychological problems may include paranoia, social isolation, lack of motivation, delusions, and changes in your personality.
Mixing fentanyl with other substances leads to even more dangers. Combining fentanyl with heroin increases the likelihood of respiratory distress, coma, and death.
Help for Fentanyl Abuse
Whether it’s fentanyl, heroin, or other drugs in its class, opiate addiction can be deadly. The only true path to lasting recovery involves entering a licensed detox and rehab facility.
Treatment for fentanyl addiction begins in detox. Because fentanyl is both psychologically and physically addictive, individuals experience withdrawal symptoms that affect both the mind and body. These symptoms include:
- General weakness, chills, and confusion
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, and lost appetite
- Irritability, restlessness, shaking and tremors
- Joint pain and muscle pain
At Ashley Addiction Treatment, we realize how dangerous these symptoms can be. Specifically, clients who seek help for fentanyl abuse start with a medical detox. During this process, our medical professionals monitor your condition and overall stability as your body rids itself of harmful toxins.
After detox, you’ll transition into one of our comprehensive substance abuse programs. Options include:
- Primary program for adults
- Pain recovery program for those who abuse fentanyl to manage pain
- Young adult rehab options for 18 to 25-year-olds
- Relapse program for individuals who have tried treatment previously but experience a setback in their recovery
These programs include a variety of amenities and ongoing medical care. For example, amenities include yoga, acupuncture, fitness equipment in the wellness center, massage, personal trainers and dietary team.
For individuals in search of lasting recovery, there’s hope. You can end your addiction to fentanyl or other substances once and for all. Call Ashley Addiction Treatment now at 866-313-6307 to learn more about available programs.