Fentanyl is a highly addictive, synthetic drug. Doctors often prescribe these medications to people in acute pain situations where they are resistant to traditional opioids. These painkillers are nearly 100 times more potent than morphine, requiring just a small amount of the substance to offer most people relief. Because of how addictive it is, fentanyl addiction treatment becomes a necessity. Though our comprehensive and affordable programs at San Antonio Recovery Center, we can help you. Call us today at .
What Makes Fentanyl Addiction So Devastating?
As a very addictive drug, fentanyl use in prescription form is generally only approved for short-term use. It is not available to treat chronic pain in most situations. However, it is available for traumatic injuries when other opioids such as morphine are not sufficient.
What makes this drug so intense is the way it interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain. There, it changes how the brain receives and understands pain, leading to a release of dopamine. This chemical interacts with the brain’s function to reduce pain signals, but it also triggers the body’s reward mechanism. It creates a strong sense of pleasure, so much so that the brain can become addicted to it quickly.
Physical Effects of Fentanyl
The effects of fentanyl can be felt within minutes after taking it. It generally lasts for about four hours, although this depends on the individual. The following are some common effects:
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
It’s important to note that these effects are not only experienced when the drug is taken as prescribed. They are also felt when it is abused.
Fentanyl overdose is a serious concern because the drug is so potent. Just a small amount of the drug can cause an overdose, especially if it is not taken as prescribed. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Shallow breathing
- Slow heartbeat
- Clammy skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
An overdose of fentanyl can happen quickly, and it can be deadly. If you or someone you know has overdosed on fentanyl, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Fentanyl addiction is a serious problem because of the dangers of overdose and the strength of the drug. If you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl, get help as soon as possible. There are treatment options available that can help you recover from addiction and live a healthy life.
Signs of Fentanyl Addiction
As noted, it is not often that this drug is used for anything but the most extreme pain situations. You may experience fentanyl abuse if you are tired all the time, struggling with mood swings, or having abnormal weight loss. Some signs of dependence and addiction include:
- Using more than prescribed and the need to use all the time
- Extraction of the drug from the patch it is usually supplied on in order to inject it
- Doctor shopping to gain access to more than one prescription for the drug
- Finding that drug use is the most important thing each day, pushing aside other responsibilities as a result
- Feeling compelled to use this drug with no ability to stop doing so
Those with this drug also commonly develop dependence. This condition can lead to intense pain, agitation, insomnia, and anxiety when they are unable to access it. Some withdrawal symptoms can also be life-threatening. They may include seizures and hallucinations. Some people may become aggressive when they cannot access the drug. The craves become so significant that a person is unable to stop using.
Finding empty pill bottles and seeing behavioral and physical changes in a loved one may indicate abuse for family members. Some people tamper with the time-release mechanism on patches given to them. This can also be an indication that the drug, in its prescription form, is not enough.
Call San Antonio Recovery Center
Seeing these symptoms is challenging. However, treatment is available and can be useful for most. Many times, this starts with fentanyl detox, a process that a professional treatment program such as San Antonio Recovery Center should administer. This treatment manages the medical and emotional needs of a person safely during the process.
Ongoing treatment is then necessary. Treatment may include medication and talk therapy to work through the damage created by addiction in virtually every facet of life. Our team offers a treatment program designed to meet each one of a person’s unique needs. Treatment options often include:
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient program
- 90-day treatment programs
- Aftercare treatment programs
- Men’s drug rehab
- Women’s drug rehab
Don’t let fentanyl addiction take over your life and define your future. You can overcome your addiction with a quality treatment program. With treatment for fentanyl addiction in Texas, San Antonio Recovery Center can offer the support you need. Learn more about the work we do when you call or reach out to us online.
