If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that can be extremely addictive and difficult to detox from. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to detox from fentanyl safely and effectively. We will also discuss the various fentanyl withdrawal symptoms associated with fentanyl addiction and how different types of rehabs, treatment and programs could be beneficial. So, if you’re ready to get help for yourself or a loved one, keep reading!
Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl abuse is a serious problem in the United States, affecting all of us. The CDC believes the total “economic burden” to be $78 billion per year, including medical expenses for treatment such as hospital visits or ER trips owing to opioid overuse/abuse as well as lost productivity from individuals unable to participate fully because they’re too sick but also addicted – combine this with criminal justice involvement, which includes arrests related offenses like crimes involving drugs or property, and costs for imprisonment.
How does fentanyl work with opioid receptors?
Prescription fentanyl is a powerful opioid analgesic that is like but more potent than morphine. It binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to produce its effects. These receptors are part of the pain relief, reward, and addiction systems. The activation of mu-opioid receptors by fentanyl and other opioids produces pleasure and pain relief. This increases the risk for abuse and addiction and may lead to opioid withdrawal or fentanyl dependence when use is stopped.
Drug abuse on fentanyl
Fentanyl is a strong narcotic pain medication that is available in tablet or patch form and has the same effects as morphine. It’s comparable to morphine, but 50 to 100 times more powerful, which often leads to drug cravings. It is a prescription drug that is approved to treat severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. However, because of its high potential for abuse and overdose, it is only prescribed in very small doses or via a patch placed on the skin.
Even if used as prescribed, fentanyl can be dangerous. It can cause drowsiness, confusion, flu-like symptoms and even constipation. In addition, it can lead to slowed or stopped breathing, which can cause brain damage and death. When misused or abused, however, it can be even more dangerous. For example, mixing fentanyl with other drugs amplifies these dangers. Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or cocaine to increase its potency, but this also increases the risk of overdose.
People often take higher doses than prescribed or take the drug more often than they should. Some people crushed the pills and snort them or mix them with alcohol to enhance the high. Drug overdose deaths is increased higher when you combine these substances.
How to know when you or someone is addicted to fentanyl and what the signs are?
Most people who abuse fentanyl develop a tolerance to it quickly. This means they need to take more and more of the drug to get the same effects. Tolerance is one of the main signs of addiction.
Other signs that someone is addicted to fentanyl include:
– Taking the drug more often or in higher doses than prescribed
– Mixing fentanyl with other drugs or alcohol to enhance the high
– Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of fentanyl, such as driving while intoxicated
– Continuing to use fentanyl despite negative consequences, such as losing a job or strained relationships
– Neglecting responsibilities in favor of using fentanyl
– Feeling unable to stop using fentanyl
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be both mental and physical. When you or someone you love are showing signs of addiction to fentanyl, chances are they could be suffering from withdrawal when they try to quit.
Fentanyl Withdrawal symptoms:
Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours after the last dose, but they usually start within 24-48 hours. The most common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, insomnia, sweating, runny nose, diarrhea, goosebumps, and yawning. These symptoms peak within 72 hours and usually improve within a week.
However, some people may experience more severe symptoms that can last for weeks or even months. These include depression, fatigue, changes in appetite, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, mood swings, irritability.
How to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms?
There are several ways to help treat withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl abuse causes a lot of harm in the body so it’s important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Eating healthy foods and taking vitamins can also help. Exercise can help improve your mood and reduce stress. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are over-the-counter medications that can help.
Hydration helps fentanyl withdrawal by replenishing the fluids and electrolytes that are lost when you sweat. It is important to drink plenty of water, juice, and clear soups. You can also drink sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade to replace electrolytes. Resting helps fentanyl withdrawal by giving your body a chance to heal. It is important to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. If you can, take a nap during the day. Eating healthy foods helps fentanyl withdrawal by giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine.
Vitamins help fentanyl withdrawal by replenishing the vitamins and minerals that are lost when you sweat. Vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium are particularly important. You can get these vitamins from food or supplements. Exercise helps fentanyl withdrawal by improving your mood and reducing stress. A moderate amount of exercise is the best way to go. Start with a walk around the block and work up to 30 minutes a day.
Several over-the-counter medications can help with fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. These include:
– Antihistamines: These can help with runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
– Pain relievers: These can help with muscle aches and pain.
– Sleep aids: These can help with insomnia.
If you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Fentanyl addiction is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. Medical detox and rehab are the first steps in overcoming the addiction.
Fentanyl addiction treatment process
The first step in any detox program is always going to be stabilization through medical supervision. This means that any withdrawal symptoms that could be potentially dangerous will be monitored and treated by a medical professional. Once stabilized, the detox process can begin.
The medical detox facility will provide 24-hour supervision and care by medical professionals. This is important because it will help to make sure that the person detoxing is as comfortable as possible and that any withdrawal symptoms are being treated.
Fentanyl detox
Detoxing from fentanyl is a process of ridding the body of the drug and its metabolites. Once the patient is medically stable, they can begin the process of detoxing from the drug. This may be done through a variety of methods, including tapering, which is slowly reducing the dose of the drug over time; cold turkey, which is stopping the use of the drug abruptly; or a combination of both. Each method has its own risks and benefits and should be discussed with a medical professional before beginning.
What is inpatient rehab?
Inpatient rehab is a live-in treatment program that provides around-the-clock care and supervision. This type of rehab is usually recommended for people with severe addiction problems. Inpatient rehab usually lasts 28 days, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the individual.
It is known to have more success than outpatient rehab because inpatient rehab provides a structured and supportive environment that helps the person focus on recovery by removing them from their using environment. Inpatient rehab also provides 24-hour care and supervision, which can be helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.
What is intensive outpatient program or IOP?
Outpatient rehab or IOP is a treatment program that allows people to live at home while they receive treatment. Outpatient rehab can be a good option for people who have jobs or other responsibilities that they cannot take a break from. Outpatient rehab usually lasts 12 weeks, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the individual.
Are there additional options to treat opioid dependence?
It is important to remember that rehab and detox is just the first step in your journey to recovery from fentanyl addiction. After you have detoxed from fentanyl and attended rehab, you will need to continue to work on your recovery to reduce drug cravings and maintain your sobriety.
First, you will likely meet with a therapist or counselor for substance abuse treatment on a regular basis to discuss your progress and any challenges you are facing. You may also attend group therapy sessions where you can share your experiences with others who are going through drug addiction. It’s important to remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but with commitment and effort, sobriety is possible.
For you to have higher success in sobriety, having an ongoing support such as attending individual therapy, group therapy, and 12-step programs can help immensely.
Individual therapy
Individual therapy is a type of therapy that is conducted one-on-one with a therapist. This type of therapy can be helpful in treating addiction because it allows the individual to work on their issues in a safe and confidential setting.
Group therapy
Group therapy is a type of therapy that is conducted with a group of people who are all struggling with similar issues. This type of therapy can be helpful in treating addiction because it allows the individual to share their experiences with others and learn from each other.
12-step programs
12-step programs are a type of recovery program that is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. These programs can be helpful in treating addiction because they provide support and structure for recovery.
How to find the best substance abuse treatment?
The greatest approach to locate the finest treatment for you is to visit a specialized medical detox facility that provides the care you need.
When looking for a rehab facility, it is important to make sure that the facility is accredited by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is a national organization that accredits rehab facilities.
It is also important to make sure that the addiction treatment center you choose offers a variety of treatment options. Treatment should be individualized to meet the needs of the person struggling with substance abuse. This includes dealing with mental health as it goes hand in hand with addiction.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in this battle. There are people who care about you and want to help you recover from your addiction. The Discovery House is a rehab facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission and offers a variety of treatment options.
If you are looking to stay for an extended period of time, we offer 90-day rehab programs that provide the structure and support you need to recover from addiction. No matter what your situation is, we are here to help you recover from your addiction and start living a sober life.
Are you ready to get rid of your pain from substance abuse? Discover how drug rehab program works and take the first step towards your recovery.