Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational and educational purposes only. Fentanyl misuse and addiction require a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation by a licensed clinician for a proper diagnosis and treatment. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid medically used for managing severe or chronic pain. While it is effective as a painkiller, it also creates feelings of euphoria, which can lead to misuse and dependence. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that an estimated 74,000 died of fentanyl overdose in the U.S. in 2022, making it an extremely potent and addictive substance even in smaller doses.

Therefore, identifying and treating fentanyl addiction early offers hope and recovery.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, which makes it both potent and dangerous. When used under close medical supervision and monitoring, it can be effectively used to treat severe or chronic pain.

However, illegal fentanyl use means that other drugs are increasingly laced with fentanyl, contributing to increasing overdose deaths in the U.S. and beyond. This means you might be consuming a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl even without knowing it.

Keeping this in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends always using fentanyl test strips before consuming alcohol or other drugs, and even medication.

At the same time, having naloxone (Narcan) with you can be life-saving. It is an opioid overdose reversal medication that is available as a nasal spray and an injection. While it restores normal breathing within minutes, immediate medical attention is still necessary.

If you suspect a fentanyl overdose, call 9-1-1 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately. This can be a life-saving move.

Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that can become addictive even in tiny doses. Being able to identify fentanyl addiction signs early can help seek early diagnosis and intervention, increasing the chances of a full recovery:

• Intense cravings and urges

• Drowsiness and nodding off frequently

• Changes in mood, anxiety, and irritability

• Lying and secrecy

• Pinpoint pupils

• Visual disturbances

• Muscle stiffness

• Tolerance

• Withdrawal symptoms, like nausea, sweating, and tremors.

Fentanyl use can lead to shorter and longer-term health risks, such as:

• Dependence, where a person might rely on fentanyl to feel and function normally.

• Tolerance, which refers to needing increasing doses of fentanyl to experience the desired effects.

• Respiratory depression, which is characterized by slowed and labored breathing.

• Organ damage, as long-term fentanyl use can damage the liver, kidneys, and heart.

• Increased overdose risk, as fentanyl can be lethal in tiny quantities as well.

Fentanyl Overdose

Some telling signs of fentanyl overdose are:

• Extreme drowsiness and sleepiness

• Pinpoint pupils

• Cold, clammy skin

• Blueish lips and fingernails

• Slowed breathing and heartbeat

• Loss of consciousness.

If you suspect a fentanyl overdose, it is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. While the paramedics arrive, administer naloxone (Narcan) to restore breathing.

Fentanyl addiction is treated with medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, peer support, and aftercare.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications for opioid use disorder, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral therapies such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-Step facilitation are used to target the underlying patterns leading to fentanyl misuse and develop healthier coping strategies and life skills.

Peer Support: Group therapy and informal peer support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery are recommended to foster community and mutual growth.

Aftercare: Ongoing therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications are integrated to prioritize and maintain recovery in the long run.

Opioid use disorder, such as fentanyl addiction, is a challenging condition to navigate on your own. Yet, post-clinical trial studies show that more than one million are in recovery from opioid use disorders, as we speak.

If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl use or addiction, you can reach out to the NuView Treatment Center today. Our licensed and experienced clinical team offers a full continuum of outpatient care, such as partial hospitalization programs, step-down intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services for a structured yet flexible recovery journey that is built around your life for a relevant, empowering healing experience.

Please do not hesitate to call us at (323) 307-7997 to explore your recovery options now!