Overcoming Fentanyl Addiction Treatment: What to Expect

It is estimated that about 1,500 people per week become victims of opioids in the US. Previously, most casualties in the country were due to heroin and meth. However, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin. The worst part about the drug is that it is stuffed with other deadly drugs such as cocaine or heroin. While fentanyl seems to be one of the top killers, timely interventions can save a person who is experiencing addiction. In this article, we will discuss the type of treatments available at drug rehab centers for fentanyl. 

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is essentially an opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is not a naturally occurring opiate, rather it is created synthetically. The legitimate purpose of opioids like morphine and fentanyl is to manage chronic pain among patients. However, the misuse of this drug is so prevalent among the masses that different governmental bodies are trying to come up with policies to fight off the curse of fentanyl. 

Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse

There are a ton of ways in which fentanyl abuse manifests itself. If you or your loved one shows the following signs, be sure to get them professional help:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Drowsiness
• Gastric issues like nausea, constipation
• Vomiting
• Anxiety and depression
• Irritability
• Paranoia

Some cases of opioid-induced hallucinations have also been reported. If it gets to that point, it is imperative to get professional help. 

Interventions for Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction can take a toll on physical as well as mental health. Opioids have the power to alter the brain’s chemistry, making it act normally when the drugs are taken and abnormally when they are not, which is why the initial days without fentanyl can be very difficult. However, with the right treatment, these withdrawal symptoms can be managed. 

Medical Detox

Detox is a medical procedure in which the body is cleansed of all the toxic drugs that get accumulated in the body. In order to manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare the body for proper treatment, undergoing detox is crucial. Here’s what to expect in a detox for fentanyl:

• Medical supervision
• Counseling sessions
• Implementation of medications
• Management of withdrawal symptoms

Do not try to get off of fentanyl on your own. Going cold turkey can be very dangerous because you may experience random body aches and mental turmoil. If appropriate medications are not given to you, it can even result in death. Always seek professional help when trying to leave fentanyl. 

Learn more “how long does fentanyl stay in your system?”

Medication-Assisted Treatment Program

Fortunately, there are medications that can effectively treat fentanyl addiction. These include opioid agonists such as buprenorphine, and opioid antagonists such as naloxone and naltrexone which are combined with buprenorphine. Currently, there are three medications that are used to treat opioid addiction, including fentanyl:

• Methadone
• Buprenorphine
• Naltrexone
• Buprenorphine/Naloxone

Buprenorphine is commonly known as Subutex and the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone is commonly sold under the name of Suboxone. Methadone is an opioid which is why it needs to be followed according to the guidelines of the doctor who prescribes it.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies are an essential part of fentanyl addiction treatment. These therapies aim to help the patients alter their behaviors and attitudes towards drug abuse and equip them with the necessary skills to handle triggers and stressors that may lead to relapse. Here are some of the most commonly used behavioral therapies for fentanyl addiction treatment:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients identify and change their negative thoughts and behaviors that may lead to drug abuse. It focuses on developing coping mechanisms, enhancing communication and problem-solving skills, and building confidence and self-esteem.

Contingency Management Therapy: This therapy rewards patients with incentives such as vouchers or privileges for staying drug-free. It reinforces positive behaviors and helps patients stay motivated throughout their treatment.

Motivational Interviewing: This therapy aims to motivate patients to change their behavior and seek treatment. It involves non-judgmental conversations with patients to understand their reasons for drug abuse, and to help them find their own motivation for recovery.

Family Therapy: Family therapy involves the patient's family members in the treatment process. It helps them understand the patient's addiction and provides them with the necessary skills to support their loved one's recovery. It also helps in rebuilding healthy relationships that may have been damaged due to drug abuse.

Behavioral therapies can be provided in individual or group settings and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. They are often used in combination with medication-assisted treatment to provide a comprehensive approach to fentanyl addiction treatment.

What to Do if Someone is Overdosing on Fentanyl?

Overdosing can result in respiratory distress. Being a CNS depressant, it can slow down or even stop breathing altogether. Overdosing on fentanyl looks something like this:

• The person may start losing consciousness or may look sleepy
• Weak breathing and heart rate
• Clammy hands and pale skin
• Lowered body temperature
• Making inaudible sounds
• Pale or blue fingernails and lips

If you see someone overdosing on fentanyl, call 911 as soon as possible. Without delay, dispense naloxone nasal spray (commonly known as Narcan). Keep repeating the process of spraying naloxone into the nose of the person who is overdosing till they gain consciousness or 911 arrives. It is important to call 911 even if the person’s heart rate comes back to normal. This is because Narcan’s effects last only for a few minutes and once naloxone wears off, the risk of overdosing is still there. Wait for the medical help to arrive and stay with the person who seems to be overdosing. 

Recap

In conclusion, fentanyl addiction is a serious and growing problem in the US. However, with timely interventions and proper treatment, it is possible to overcome this addiction. Medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral therapies are some of the commonly used interventions for fentanyl addiction. It is crucial to seek professional help when experiencing fentanyl addiction or if someone you know is showing signs of overdose. Remember, recognizing the symptoms and taking prompt action can save a life.