Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Effective Programs of Recovery from Fentanyl in Nevada

There is no safe way to use illicit fentanyl and the risk of overdose is incredibly high. Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug deaths in the United States and overdose rates show no sign of slowing soon. This lethal synthetic opioid is actually now the number one cause of death of any kind, for American men age 18 to 45.

Given the deadly risks, it is vital that every fentanyl user receives treatment, and Icarus Nevada is here to help.

In this blog, we will talk you through the phases of fentanyl addiction treatment and will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision to get help for this deadly drug.

Getting Help for Fentanyl Dependence

The first step of getting help for your fentanyl abuse comes from asking for it. If you or your loved one would like support, contact Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada. We have helped countless people start their recovery from fentanyl addiction, and we would love to help you too.

Our programs of drug abuse treatment are evidence-based, as well as personalized according to the unique background of each client who walks through our doors.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid painkiller that is typically prescribed to manage severe chronic pain. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and increasing feelings of pleasure and relaxation. It is typically administered through transdermal patches, lozenges, or injections. Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and physical dependence.

While fentanyl can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, it also carries a high risk for addiction and abuse. This is due to its potency; fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 15 times stronger than heroin. As such, even small doses can produce powerful euphoric effects that can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. If this sounds familiar to you personally, or in the life of someone you love, our fentanyl rehab programs are here to support getting clean.

What are the Most Common Effects of Fentanyl?

When you take fentanyl, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a number of effects on your body. It can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, and an overall sense of well-being. These positive effects can be incredibly powerful and addictive; however, they come with a range of potential side effects that can be dangerous.

Short-term physical effects of fentanyl include nausea, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, constipation, and respiratory depression (slowed breathing). Taking too much fentanyl can lead to an overdose which can result in coma and even death. Fentanyl can also interfere with cognitive processes like memory and concentration. Additionally, it increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder or addiction, with the need for effective fentanyl detox.

Does Fentanyl Dependence Cause Long Term Consequences?

Fentanyl addiction can also have serious long-term effects on your physical and mental health. Prolonged fentanyl use can lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage as well as weakened immune system functioning. It can also cause depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and decreased libido.

In extreme cases, long-term opioid addictions (including fentanyl abuse) can lead to a condition called opioid-induced hyperalgesia, which is when your body becomes resistant to the effects of opioids and more difficult to treat pain.

This why at Icarus Nevada, along with having a fentanyl addiction treated, our team looks at the underlying causes of use, such as chronic pain or anxiety, and seeks to address them successfully before discharge. We also offer chronic relapse treatment options, along with long-term rehab programs, for clients who have entrenched histories of opioid use and/or repeated attempts at treatment ending in relapse.

Understanding Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Options

How do we go about treating this dangerous drug? Here, we will discuss the fentanyl withdrawal timeline as it applies to detoxification, inpatient treatment, and aftercare as three key stages in the process of fentanyl addiction treatment. If you would like more information on any of these stages, please do hesitate to contact Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada, our compassionate team is ready and waiting to answer your questions!

Detoxification

Detoxification is the first step of fentanyl addiction treatment. It is essential that detoxification be done in a medically supervised setting, where trained professionals can monitor the process and help with any potential side effects or complications that may arise.

During detoxification, medication can sometimes be used to assist with withdrawal symptoms and make them more tolerable for the patient. This should always be discussed with your healthcare provider before beginning the detox process.

If medication is not given for painful withdrawal symptoms from fentanyl, the withdrawal process can be so unbearable that many people with opioid use disorders decide to continue taking the drug instead of going through it. Withdrawal symptoms when medication-assisted treatment is used are far milder, as the same opioid receptors are stimulated as with illicit fentanyl use, however in a much more controlled way.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is the next step in fentanyl addiction treatment. It often involves a residential treatment program that can last for weeks or months, depending on the severity of the addiction and how well it responds to treatment. During this time, patients work with therapists and counselors to address underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction. Group therapy and support groups are also used to help individuals with their recovery process.

At Icarus in Nevada, we believe that inpatient treatment is absolutely key for people who have severe fentanyl addiction. We find that those who go through our program have far greater long-term outcomes than those who go for other treatment methods

Aftercare

Aftercare is an essential part of any fentanyl addiction treatment program. It involves ongoing counseling, support groups, and other forms of mental health treatment to ensure long-term sobriety. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can also help ensure that the addiction does not return. You should also find a supportive community and connect with sober peers who can provide guidance and support during this time. This is absolutely key for fentanyl addiction treatment.

Fentanyl addiction can be an incredibly difficult process to overcome, but with proper medical supervision and treatment, you can successfully recover from your addiction and lead a healthier and happier life.

5 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addicts can quickly spiral out of control, leading to serious consequences. Get acquainted with the signs and symptoms of addiction early so you can spot them in your loved one.

Common signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction may include:

1) Increased tolerance

One of the most common signs of chronic fentanyl abuse is increased tolerance to the drug. As an individual’s body becomes accustomed to the drug, they will need to take increasingly higher doses in order to experience similar effects as before. This is often a sign that someone has become physically dependent on the drug and may be at risk for developing an addiction. If you or someone you know is increasing their dosage of fentanyl without consulting a doctor, it may be a sign that they are developing an addiction.

2) Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone stops taking fentanyl abruptly after having become physically dependent on the drug, they may experience uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking and anxiety. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological in nature, and it is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing them.

3) Neglecting Priorities in Favor of Drug Use

If someone’s life has become centered around their fentanyl abuse, they may begin to neglect other priorities such as work, school or family obligations. They may also begin to isolate themselves and become increasingly secretive about their drug use. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it may be a sign of addiction and you should start to treat fentanyl addiction immediately.

4) Drastic Changes in Behavior or Appearance

When someone is struggling with substance abuse, they may begin to exhibit drastic changes in their behavior or physical appearance. They may become more withdrawn, have trouble sleeping and eating, and display extreme mood swings. Physically, they may appear gaunt or tired, and their skin may become pale and clammy as a result of the drug’s effects on the body. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, you should seek inpatient rehab for fentanyl addiction treatment right away.

5) Inability to Control Drug Use

People who are addicted to synthetic opioids like fentanyl may feel like they have lost control over their drug use. This can present itself in the form of compulsive drug-seeking behavior or a strong urge to take more than prescribed. They may also be unable to limit their dosage or refrain from taking the drug despite knowing the consequences it could have on their lives.

What are the Dangers of Misusing Fentanyl?

Regular misuse of this potent opioid pain reliever can lead to a range of serious health problems. For starters, it can have an adverse effect on the brain and body. Regular use of fentanyl can weaken respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties and an increased risk of death due to fentanyl overdose. It can also cause severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Furthermore, regular use has been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Fentanyl misuse can also have serious consequences on an individual’s personal life. People who are addicted to fentanyl may find themselves in financial trouble due to the high cost of the drug, and they may turn to criminal activities such as theft or drug dealing in order to fund their addiction.

Fentanyl misuse can also have a serious impact on someone’s social life. It can cause them to become isolated from family and friends or lead to risky behaviors such as drug dealing and crime in order to support their habit. It may also impair someone’s ability to work and make sound decisions, leading to job loss or other serious consequences.

The Realities of Fentanyl Overdose

Misusing fentanyl is also incredibly dangerous due to its potency. As mentioned earlier, it is 50-100 times stronger than morphine and 15 times more powerful than heroin. This means that even a small dose can result in fentanyl overdose deaths. Fentanyl overdose may cause extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, confusion, seizures, and even coma in some cases.

Alternatives To Fentanyl for Severe Pain

If you are struggling with chronic pain, you should consider all treatment options before resorting to powerful narcotic medications such as fentanyl. While illicit and even prescription opiates and opioids can provide relief in certain cases, they also carry a risk for addiction and other serious side effects. Fortunately, there are numerous non-opioid treatments available that can help manage severe pain without posing unnecessary risks.

One option to consider is physical therapy, which can help strengthen weakened muscles and reduce inflammation. Physical therapists are trained in specialized techniques such as stretches, exercises, and manual manipulation that can be useful for treating back pain, joint pain, sciatica, and many other chronic conditions. They may also suggest lifestyle changes such as ergonomic adjustments or stress reduction techniques.

Using Holistic Approaches to Help With Chronic Pain

Other opioid drugs treatment for chronic pain include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and heat or cold therapies. Acupuncture is based on the traditional Chinese medical practice of inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to help relieve pain and promote healing. Chiropractic care involves manipulating the spine to realign vertebrae and reduce pressure on nerves and muscles.

Massage therapy can be used to reduce tension in the muscles, which can help improve posture, mobility, and pain levels. Finally, heat or cold therapies can be useful for reducing inflammation and soothing sore areas.

Behavioral Therapies and Lifestyle Changes for Pain Relief

You should also consider non-medical treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychological therapy that helps individuals identify and address the negative thought patterns or behaviors that may be contributing to their pain. It can also help people develop coping strategies for managing pain, stress, and anxiety.

Lifestyle changes can also help as a means of treating chronic pain. Regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi can help strengthen weakened muscles and reduce inflammation. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can also be helpful for managing chronic pain and getting the nutrients the body needs to heal. Reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises may also help with pain relief.

What Forms Does Fentanyl Come In?

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid drug that is often used to treat severe pain by stimulating opioid receptors. Although it can prove to be highly effective for managing chronic pain, it also carries a risk of dependency and addiction. As such, there are certain forms in which this drug can legally be found, as well as other forms that are illegal or potentially dangerous.

Legally, fentanyl is available in lozenges, tablets, patches, sublingual sprays, and nasal sprays. These forms of the drug are intended for use as prescribed by a doctor and can be obtained from pharmacies with a valid prescription. Lozenges and tablets contain various dosages of fentanyl that can be swallowed or dissolved under the tongue and are typically given to cancer patients for breakthrough pain.

Patches contain a slow-release form of the drug that is designed to be worn on the skin for 72 hours and provide continuous pain relief. Sublingual sprays and nasal sprays can also provide quick-acting relief when needed.

Counterfeit Fentapills and Uncertainty in Dosage

Fentanyl can also be found in powder form, which may be snorted or ingested through other means. There have also been reports of illicit fentanyl tablets being sold on the street. These synthetic opioids mimic prescription opioids and can be incredibly dangerous since they are not made in a regulated environment.

Some tablets contain a small dose of the drug, while others may have a much higher concentration. This makes it incredibly easy for users to accidentally overdose on fentanyl if they are not aware of what they are taking.

Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction With Icarus Nevada Now

If you have a fentanyl addiction, now is the time to get help. At Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada, we pride ourselves on our record of treating people suffering from fentanyl addiction. We have helped countless others recover from the despair of fentanyl addiction, and we can support recovery for you or a loved one as well.

Reach out for a confidential consultation today, and get options for a life freed from the chains of painkillers now!