What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that belongs to the opioid drug class. Opioids are either derived from the opium poppy or synthetically designed to mimic its effects.
Fentanyl is much stronger than other opioids. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is 100 and 50 times more potent than morphine and heroin, respectively. Because it’s so strong, even a tiny amount can cause overdose deaths.
Fentanyl is used in medical settings to treat severe pain, like pain from cancer or after surgery. Prescription opioids come in patches, lozenges, nasal sprays, and injections. However, most fentanyl overdoses happen because of illegal fentanyl sold on the streets.
Street Fentanyl: The Real Danger
Most of the fentanyl addiction and overdoses today aren’t from pharmaceutical companies. It’s made and sold illegally on the street by drug cartels and other entities. Illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Sometimes, it’s pressed into counterfeit pills that look like prescription form.
Why Is Fentanyl Added to Street Drugs?
Fentanyl is added to street drugs because it’s cheap to produce and highly potent. A small amount can create a powerful high, allowing dealers to stretch their supply and maximize profits. It’s also easier to smuggle compared to other drugs. Just a small bag of fentanyl powder can be as profitable as large quantities of heroin or cocaine.
Fentanyl’s high potency makes it highly addictive, ensuring users keep coming back for more. Dealers know that even if some users overdose, the demand for their product will remain strong. In some cases, dealers intentionally add deadly amounts of fentanyl to their drugs as a way to advertise their product’s strength despite the risks to users.
As people develop a tolerance to opioids, they need larger doses to feel the same effects, whether for pain relief, avoiding opioid withdrawal symptoms, or chasing a high. However, those who don’t regularly use opioids can overdose on even a tiny amount of fentanyl. Even regular users are at risk if they unknowingly take a stronger batch. They might consume two or three times more than expected, which can be fatal.
Understanding Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl addiction is a serious and growing problem. Because fentanyl is so potent, it can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. When you use fentanyl, it binds to opioid receptors in your brain, blocking pain and releasing large amounts of dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
Over time, your brain becomes reliant on fentanyl to function normally, and you need more of the opioid drug to feel the same effects. This is called building tolerance.
As your tolerance grows, so does the risk of addiction. Common signs of opioid dependence include:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing larger doses of fentanyl to feel the same effect
- Cravings: Strong urges and constant thoughts to use fentanyl, even without pain
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling sick with sweating, nausea, muscle pain, or irritability when trying to stop or use less
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, family obligations, or social activities because of drug use
- Continued Fentanyl Use Despite Harmful Consequences: Continued use even when it causes serious health or relationship problems
- Loss of Control Over Use: Struggling to reduce usage despite wanting to quit
You may start with using fentanyl to feel good or escape pain, but soon, you need it to avoid feeling sick. This is because stopping fentanyl use leads to withdrawal symptoms, which can be extremely uncomfortable.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Hot and cold flashes
- Nausea
- Severe pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
These symptoms make it very hard to quit drug abuse without professional help. At Luxe Treatment Center, we offer medical detox programs to help you through fentanyl withdrawal safely and comfortably. Our team provides round-the-clock care to manage symptoms and ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
Fentanyl Overdose
A fentanyl overdose happens when you take too much of the drug, overwhelming your body’s opioid receptors. This can slow down or stop your breathing, which can be deadly.
Overdoses can happen both intentionally and accidentally.
Accidental overdoses often occur when street fentanyl is mixed with other drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills. You might take what you think is a safe dose, only to find out it contains a deadly amount of fentanyl.
Intentional overdoses can happen when someone takes a large amount of fentanyl to achieve a stronger high, not realizing how dangerous it can be.
In both cases, the risk of death is high. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. You can also administer naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist medication that comes in the form of a nasal spray. Naloxone works by reversing the effects of an overdose of fentanyl and other opioids, potentially saving a life.
In 2023, the FDA also approved nalmefene, another opioid receptor antagonist available as a nasal spray. Just like naloxone, nalmefene is used to treat opioid overdoses by reversing their effects. However, it’s important to note that nalmefene is a newly approved medication and requires a prescription.
Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
Excessive use of fentanyl may result in poisoning or overdosing in severe cases. Quick medical help for fentanyl or drug overdose can save lives. Hence, it’s important to recognize the signs. Some of the early signs of fentanyl poisoning include:
- Cold and Clammy Skin: Pale or cool, moist skin may indicate circulatory problems from an overdose
- Lethargy: Unusual levels of fatigue or overall reduction in physical activity
- Slow or Shallow Breathing: Respiratory depression may occur. Look for signs of gasping for air or shallow breaths
- Sleepiness
- Trouble breathing: It may sound like snoring
- Severe Drowsiness: Struggling intensely between states of extreme sedation, severe pain, and unconsciousness
- Cyanosis: A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.
- Pinpoint Pupils: Pupils may shrink and not respond well to light changes.
- Unresponsiveness: Lack of reaction to loud noises or touch may show severe central nervous system depression
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Luxe Treatment Center
Fentanyl addiction can be extremely uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. Recovery from a substance use disorder requires a comprehensive treatment program tailored to your unique needs.
For some individuals, intensive residential care may be necessary to manage the physical effects of injecting drugs. Those with a long history of drug or alcohol abuse might need to begin with detox before progressing to other intensive treatment options.
The right recovery path begins with understanding the underlying issues and discussing them with a health professional who can recommend the appropriate fentanyl addiction treatment program.
Here are the main addiction treatment options available for fentanyl addiction and opioid use disorders:
Medical Detox
Detoxification is the first and most critical step in treating opioid use disorders. At Luxe Treatment Center, our medical detox program offers a safe, secure, and medically supervised environment to help you through the withdrawal process. Our team of healthcare professionals uses proven methods and FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, to:
- Reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Normalize brain chemistry
- Lower the risk of complications
- Make the transition to further treatment smoother
Inpatient Treatment Program
For those who need intensive, round-the-clock care, our inpatient treatment program offers a structured and supportive environment. You’ll stay at our facility for 30 to 90 days, depending on your needs, and receive:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage cravings and prevent relapse
- Individual therapy to address the root causes of opioid addiction
- Group therapy to build a support network and learn from others
- Holistic therapies to promote physical, emotional, and psychological healing
Our inpatient program is designed to help you focus entirely on recovery, free from the distractions and triggers of daily life. We provide a multidisciplinary addiction treatment approach to ensure long-term success of recovery from opioid use disorders.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide strong support while offering more flexibility. They are ideal for individuals who need intensive therapy but still want to maintain some independence. In PHP, participants attend structured therapy sessions during the day and return home at night.
This setup allows individuals to practice coping skills in real-life situations while receiving the care they need. It also provides a sense of normalcy and independence, helping them avoid severe withdrawal symptoms and stay connected to their daily lives.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a step down from partial hospitalization. It offers flexible schedules, making it easier to balance work, family, and recovery. Participants attend therapy and support groups several times a week.
IOP focuses on teaching addiction recovery skills, preventing relapse, and providing mental health support. It strikes a balance between structure and freedom, helping individuals apply their skills in everyday life and handle challenges effectively.
Standard Outpatient Program
A standard outpatient treatment program offers the least intensive level of care for fentanyl addiction. The outpatient program (OP) focuses on preventing relapse, emotional support, improving coping skills, and making healthy choices.
One of the key benefits of OP is its flexibility. Participants can attend therapy once or twice a week while continuing to manage work, school, or family responsibilities. This ongoing support helps individuals maintain long-term successful recovery and build a healthier lifestyle.
Aftercare Program
Aftercare programs are essential for providing ongoing support after completing formal opioid use disorders or fentanyl addiction treatment programs. These programs include activities such as:
- Attending 12-step meetings (like Narcotics Anonymous)
- Individual counseling sessions
- Group and behavioral therapies
- Sober living environments
- Access to healthcare resources if necessary
These resources are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, promoting recovery goals and ensuring sustained sobriety. Aftercare programs also foster a sense of community and accountability, providing the support network necessary for navigating life after recovery.
Start a Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program With Luxe Treatment Center Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use or substance abuse, reach out to our team at Luxe Treatment Center. We offer treatment for all types of substance use disorders, including medications for opioid use disorder, and provide support tailored to your needs. Our goal is to help you stop taking fentanyl.
Call us at (725) 215-3017 or reach out by filling out our confidential online contact form. Let us help you treat fentanyl or any other opioid addiction and live an addiction-free life.
