Fentanyl addiction
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is many times more potent than heroin. It is used to treat pain, but because of its strength, it is also abused recreationally. It’s normally prescribed if you’ve taken another opioid painkiller in the past that no longer works and you’ve built up tolerance towards it.
Fentanyl is a white powder or a pill, and it is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Fentanyl is similar to Morphine but can be 50 – 100 times more potent. Fentanyl comes in different forms which can include: Tablet, patch, spray, lozenge or injection.
Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for mediating pain relief and producing feelings of pleasure. When taken in high doses, fentanyl can cause an intense rush of euphoria as well as respiratory depression, which can lead to death.
What is addiction?
An individual with addiction is one who can no longer control their dependence on a substance, activity, or behaviour. It is a chronic illness that can seriously harm a person’s relationships, finances, physical and mental health.
Fentanyl addiction can also lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and difficulty going about daily tasks for the addicted person. It’s critical that anyone battling an addiction to fentanyl gets expert assistance from a professional healthcare provider.
Fentanyl addiction
Fentanyl is highly addictive, and the risks of addiction increase when it is mixed with other drugs. The drug can also lead to overdose, and it may be difficult to recognise the signs of an overdose because the symptoms can be similar to those of other drugs.
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It is prescribed in a patch form for pain relief, but it is also used illegally in the form of pills, powder, and liquid.
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The effects of fentanyl
After taking opioids for a long period of time, the brain will adapt to the drug, which then your body will build up a tolerance towards it, making it hard to feel pleasure from anything but the drug.
If you’re using Fentanyl, it can make you feel happy, sleepy, relaxed and can also give you a sense of euphoria, but it can also come with some physical and mental effects.
Feeling drowsy- Sedated
- Unconsciousness
- Constipation
- Venlafaxine
- Nausea
Feeling drowsyOne of the most common side effects of using fentanyl is drowsiness and confusion. Many people may look like they are falling asleep or appear ‘out of it’. This is due to the drug’s ability to slow down the central nervous system and cause sedation. It is important to be aware of this side effect and to get plenty of rest if you are taking fentanyl.
In addition to drowsiness and confusion, another serious side effect of using fentanyl is the risk of overdose. Fentanyl can be extremely potent and an overdose can occur if too much of the drug is taken. Symptoms of an overdose can include slowed or stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death. It is important to take the drug exactly as prescribed and only in the amounts prescribed by your doctor.
Treating fentanyl addiction
It is important to seek professional medical help immediately if you suspect you or a loved one may be addicted to fentanyl. Our treatment programmes at Steps Together typically include a combination of medication and therapy. Medication can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while psychotherapy can provide valuable support and guidance.
For our residential and non-residential (outpatient) clients, we provide an eclectic blend of discrete, private, and confidential therapy programmes. This guarantees that we provide treatment and therapy programmes that are tailored to each individual, family, or group’s needs. These cover a wide range of addictions, disorders, and emotional and mental health concerns, and they include some of the best and most scientifically supported treatment modalities.
At Steps Together, we carefully blend clinical treatment, therapy, hospitality and accommodation to provide you with the perfect holistic environment, all under one roof, to help you enjoy your stay and make the most of your treatment programme and recovery.
Fentanyl detox
The first step in treatment for fentanyl addiction is detoxification. Detoxing from fentanyl involves slowly reducing the amount of the drug in the system until the individual is no longer dependent on it. This process can be difficult and uncomfortable, so it is important to have medical supervision to ensure the safety and comfort of the individual.
Steps Together will assist you in overcoming your addiction as part of the Detox Programme. Our team of knowledgeable experts are here to help and support you at every stage of what may seem like a difficult process. Together with a thorough plan to assist you in kicking your addiction, we will offer you a safe and welcoming environment.
Real stories from our previous clients
“I can’t imagine to this day what it was like for my parents, a mix of relief that I had finally agreed and disbelief that this is what it had come to.”
Ben, sober since January 2019
