Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid intended to treat extreme pain associated with severe injuries or chronic illnesses such as cancer. Like morphine, but up to 100 times more potent, fentanyl is dangerous and highly addictive. Because of its potency, people can become addicted to fentanyl even when prescribed by a doctor and properly used. Using fentanyl as a recreational drug is popular but highly risky. Fentanyl is the number one drug linked to accidental overdose and death. The best way to overcome fentanyl addiction is through a medically supervised detox, followed by fentanyl addiction treatment in Florida.
Like other opioids, fentanyl activates receptors on cells throughout the body to block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine, the body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Fentanyl abuse and addiction are serious issues affecting millions of Americans. A drug addiction treatment program is committed to helping combat the opioid crisis by offering a full continuum of evidence-based and holistic treatment for individuals suffering from substance use disorders (SUD) like fentanyl addiction.
Learn to Recognize the Common Signs of Opioid Abuse
Opioids like fentanyl are prescription medications used to treat severe or chronic pain. Most opioid addiction begins when someone becomes dependent on prescription medications. When these medications are no longer available, many turn to illicit drugs like heroin, which is inexpensive and readily available, to feed their physical and psychological dependence.
The need for comprehensive, holistic prescription drug addiction treatment continues to grow as more and more people find themselves in the grips of opioid addiction. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to identify opioid abuse, particularly when a person is actively trying to hide it. Learning to recognize the common signs of opioid abuse can potentially save someone’s life.
Typical symptoms of opioid abuse can include:
- Changes in appearance and eating and sleeping habits
- Finishing prescriptions early
- Taking more medication than prescribed or for longer than prescribed
- Stealing money, medication, or valuables
- Isolating or no longer participating in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty managing responsibilities or daily living activities
- Demonstrating drug-seeking behavior
“Doctor shopping” refers to the practice of going to multiple doctors for prescriptions to sustain addiction. Individuals abusing opioids go to great lengths to avoid experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms, which results in behavioral and psychological changes. Mood swings, paranoia, anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends and family, and engaging in risky behaviors are all other warning signs.
What to Expect from Fentanyl Withdrawal
Like other opioids, fentanyl binds to opioid receptors throughout the body that regulate pain and emotion. This reaction results in a significant release of dopamine, the body’s natural “feel good” chemical. When someone abuses opioids like fentanyl, brain chemistry is changed. Very quickly, the body becomes dependent on the outside drug to function. Withdrawal begins as the brain attempts to restore balance without the drug in the system.
While withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person, fentanyl withdrawal is compared to severe flu. The severity of your withdrawal symptoms will depend on several factors, including how long you have been using and the level of substances in your system.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can start within six to twelve hours after the last use. They generally peak between two to four days after and subside after about one week. Common symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal include but are not limited to:
- Sweating and chills
- Restlessness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart and respiratory rates
- Insomnia
Many people will also experience psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and cravings. These symptoms tend to be more long-term and can reduce motivation to continue treatment. Knowing what to expect in fentanyl withdrawal can help you better prepare. Attempting to detox from fentanyl on your own can be very dangerous. The safest way to detox is in a medical detox center where you can receive personalized, compassionate, around-the-clock care.
Discover the Benefits of Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Florida
Fentanyl addiction is less common than other opioid addictions. Being addicted to fentanyl indicates severe substance use disorder that detox alone cannot help you overcome. Holistic residential treatment for fentanyl addiction provides you with intensive care in a safe environment, away from the stressors and triggers that likely contributed to your addiction. You can receive treatment for any underlying mental health disorders. With the support of licensed addiction specialists, you will receive treatment tailored to meet your physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.